J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment 1 step forward two back

I rmoved part of the shed covering the boat, of course we had a big rain strom. since I was working in the boat when the rain started, I was able to see the water coming through the ceiling surronding the mast hole and from several deck to hull bolts. The next morning, I discovered the bilge fill to the brim at the front end. The good news is I did not waste my time removing the vermiculite over the hidden bilge as water was there as well. Apparently coming from under the engine. The insppection plate in the v-berth floor also came in handy as there was water under the floor. Persumably from leaking bolts in the bow.

This is a timely post. I asked Mark Rotsky (Nemisis) this morning if he knew of any path that water that entered aft (e.g. engine ventilation hoses on stern, cockpit lockers) could drain to the center bilge. We're thinking there is none. If there is no path through the hidden bildge, next winter when I chip the vermiculite out, I may make a channel so that water can flow from the aft section to the center section. Any thoughts on this?

On the front bilge - I was able to coax a coat hanger through "cement" to open up the drain hole below the aft end of the teak in the bow compartment. Much to my surprise, this path flows to the bilge by the transducers and head seawater valve, not a direct path to the center bilge. There is another path that drains from the transducer section to the center bilge. I spent Saturday afternoon cleaning out the "cement" that was formed by sanding dust and moisture. I can now pour water in the v-berth bilge just in front of the mast and it freely flows via the xdcr area to the center bilge. Lesson learned - keep this hole open to prevent deteriorating the teak there!

So I have a similar issue. So the bilge is dry all winter then I take the cover off and it rains and voila there is water in the second bilge. I cannot for the life of me find where it is coming from? The real bilge is still bone dry.

David
#397

Time to get a hose and have someone spray topside while I look below to solve the mysterious water source. I did have one of the cockpit lockers lined with a towel over the lip last week when I reglassed the hole drilled for the autohelm support pin. It rained, the towel was soaked and water dripped into the bildge via the locker opening where the engine control lever is mounted. I'm going to scrutinize the area around the locker to make sure the lip works as designed, or not.....

What about water entry at the companion way? When the boat is out of the water, it is typically bow up. I always debated making a little incline toward the companion way to route water back the other way. I guess a good sign would be to look at the condition of the wood steps?

I've ruled that out. It's always dry there unless the hatch has been open while it is raining. Eight coats of Epifanes on the teak steps makes it always look good :-)

I did chip out a channel, more like 18" and chipped away a portion where the bilge hose goes under the engine. THis past rain shows that water came from the aft end somewhere. My boat sits bow down so it all drained that way. Very frustrating to see all that water back in the boat. Time to get the auto bilge pump setup.
I'd like to remove all the teak toe rails, but they seem to be hard to get off in one piece.

Check out this link for the auto bilge pump setup. Mark Rotsky (Nemesis) came up with the idea on his boat, and I made some modifications to the design for Rhapsody. Go to this link and then click on the link labeled "Rhapsody Electric Bilge Pump Installation". http://j30rhapsody348.blogspot.com/p/rhapsody-j30-rhapsody-maintenance.html



[This message has been edited by Rhapsody #348 (edited 05-13-2008).]

I already stole that idea from you, unfortuantly when I went to add the drain pipe teh flange that tightens the drain literally fell apart, sooo I have to replace that to. It was not a productive night. THe only upside is the lake is currently 20 feet over normal pool and is not a good time to be on a mooring ball.