baffling leak in SO32.2 forepeak

[ric]

I have a baffling leak in the forepeak of my SO32.2.

Occasionally I find that the carpet in the forepeak is wet. The forepeak is not connected with the bilges, so I don't think that the water is coming in from that source. Nor is there any sign of water running down from the hull-deck joint, though I would have to remove the lining to be absolutely sure. Nor are there any through-hulls in the forepeak. The hatch is watertight.

I suppose I could peel back the carpets and take out all the lining. But before I start on that, has anybody had a similar problem?

[sailby2]

Hello,

Hope this is not the case for you but when I found the carpets wet in our SO37, it was the plastic water tank that had developed a crack and was emptying all 40 gallons into the forward cabin area. I ended up repairing the tank with epoxy and haven't had a problem since. Again, hope your problem is anything but this issue!

Regards,

[rene460]

Hi ric, we had similar problem in our 30i, and found two sources. No need to take out lining etc. We found condensation around between the hull and anchor hatch moulding which no doubt drips down. You can see up behind the front vertical board with a mirror and torch, and can even reach up a little. Moisture possibly from occupants breathing (crew need more training, only breathe when on deck!) condenses on the inside of the hull at night when air temp outside is low and runs down over time as outside water is not warm enough to evaporate it during the day. Also insufficient ventilation in that area ensuring a one way moist air flow per Murphy et al. You may also have condensation on top of the bunk boards under the mattress. Second source we found, we had removed one of the plastic bolt access ports in the anchor locker (to through bolt an anchor tie down point) and replaced it but not resealed. Rain and wash down water almost certainly leak through when running down the inside of the anchor locker.
We sealed the plastic port, and increased ventilation by installing a vent in the vertical board between the bunk and bottom of the anchor locker. Be careful of the anchor winch wiring which runs up through that area from the control relay under the bunk. We also insulated the bottom of the compartment in front of the water tank with polyester fibrefill. Note that this requires a plastic sheet vapour barrier over the fibre, carefully taped down to the hull fibreglass all around (we used the standard 50 mm grey gaffer tape) so that it seals the fibre from any air exchange. Other wise you will still get condensation plus mould as a bonus. Unfortunately we did both at once so cannot be entirely sure which measure was most effective, or whether the vent alone would have been enough, but we definitely reduced the condensation. Of course now the winter has passed, so we will only be really sure next year if we have completely solved the problem or just improved the situation. We also now have some padding under some light items we store in that front compartment. I hope that this helps.
Rene460

[hoppy]

I have a leak coming into the forward locker under the anchor locker. In my case the water only comes in in heavy seas. I suspected it was coming in where there is a heap of silicon or whatever sealant that is under (no idea what it is called) metal bit at the bow where there forestay and the anchor roller connects. I stuck a hose there and was able confirm it was the source of my problem. Will fix it over winter.

[rxc]

I have similar leaks on my 43DS, and have traced them to the stanchions for the bow pulpit. The wires for the nav lights lead thru the aft penetrations, and they are very difficult to tighten. I just bought a 30mm crowfoot wrench and an articulated ratchet to see if they will do the trick.

[windspeak]

had some problems with this to a regular but slow puddle collects forward of the bow thrust-er tube of fresh water I have resealed the pulpit stanchions which stopped some of the ingress but not all and have since discovered water droplets on the under side of the chain locker fresh water also, the drains on my 43ds are about 30mm above the pan so there is always a puddle there i am going to insulate this area up to the drains when she comes out this winter to lose the puddle and hopefully get some dry stowage

[pbunning]

We had a leak in a Sunway 25 some years ago. Leak was eventually tracked to the anchor locker - suspected leak due to poor or deteriorated GRP. Reglassed and fixed it.