Can't find the source of a leak into the cabin

[Mike Ebert]

I have a small but frustrating leak that drains out from underneath the drawers located to the next to (outside and left of) the head door. This is on a 31TE. I spent four hours on Saturday trying to find it. It is either coming through the hull-deck seam that is under the rubber rub rail or possible through the screw holes in the rail stanchons or cleat.

Other than trying to figure out where it is by holding the hose on different spots, does anyone have any better idea as to how to locate it?

[Veebyes2]

Finding a leak like that can be frustrating. Has the gunnel ever taken a hard bang such as a concrete dock or a pile. Did it to my 27. Water, not much, seeped behind everything. It took awhile to find the source of the leak.

As you suspect it could also be faulty workmanship at the plant in fastening & sealing the hull/deck.

[Elizabeth Ann]

I had a similar problem. The post is a little verbose with some typos, but it should make sense. Put a steady and sure hose on all suspected areas to trouble shoot and inspect.

viewtopic.php?t=83&highlight=port+leak

We ended up pulling the rub rail and re-bedding the joint in the problem area only. A half days work with 2 guys and a few cold brews!

[Mike Ebert]

Thanks for the link to the previous thread. It sounds identical to what I am seeing on my boat. I think I will try a silicone bead around the rub rail and if that doesn't cut it, it will have to come off. Was it a big hassel to take off the rub rail without mucking it up?
Thanks again.

[Elizabeth Ann]

A big hassle? No! But it was a hassle.....after all it's a boat

You should test it with a hose first to verify if it is the rub rail.

[Mariner]

We also have a mysterious leak that I can't seem to find the source of. It only leaks when the rain is very heavy, and the water just drains into the bilge where it is pumped out. It is damaging some wood in the process, but it's not structural and it's already damaged, so I figure we'll just replace it when it gets really bad. My solution has been to simply remove the carpet from the boat in the winter and turn a blind eye.

[Elizabeth Ann]

We also have a mysterious leak that I can't seem to find the source of. It only leaks when the rain is very heavy, and the water just drains into the bilge where it is pumped out. It is damaging some wood in the process, but it's not structural and it's already damaged, so I figure we'll just replace it when it gets really bad. My solution has been to simply remove the carpet from the boat in the winter and turn a blind eye.

Wow, that surprises me. There's a rumor round these parts that your meticulous.

[Carl]

[Saltdog]

I had a cabin leak on the port side. After many hours of diagnosis it turned out to be the rear porthole. I pulled out, re-caulked it and have not had a problem since.

Ts

[furball]

Saltdog,
I want to re-seal several portholes. What can you tell me about what is involved in removing and resealing. I have SS ports on a 2006 28TE. The survey performed prior our purchase indicated a slightly higher moisture content on the port side just below the portholes and I have seen other signs of water. I just don't know what I'm getting into once I start removing whats there.
thanks,
John

[Saltdog]

I wish I had stainless portholes, those look really nice. Mine are plastic. We finally diagnosed the leak before I actually purchase the boat and the seller agreed to fix it. As a result we had the yard do it. It didn't look like there was much to it though and it did'nt take them much time.

Prior to that I contacted the porthole manufacture and I think I may still have a diagram of the window... I will check when I get home.

As I recall you just unscrew the two halfs and take half out from the inside and the other half from the outside. I remember him telling me to make sure that I clean out all of the old silicone sealer before replacing and resealing the portholes. I will see what I still have on this in my file.

TS

[Saltdog]

Furball, I thought I had a diagram of my ports, but apparently I do not. As I said mine are Plastic and manufactured by Beckson. I don't know if Beckson makes SS ports or not but here is a link that should help you:

http://www.beckson.com/trouble.html

TS

[furball]

Thanks TS
I want to make sure I have the items needed to put it back together once I take it apart. I want to make sure there is not a gasket or seal I need to order ahead of time and frankly I haven't spent any time really looking into it. I just know it's on the list of things to do. Sounds like, easy does it when taking them out, reseal with silicon and screw them back together. Much to simple to be correct. This is shaping up to be an all day job as usual.
John