2012 Ranger 29, fresh water in forward bilge.

[Baetz]

The forward bilge of our Ranger 29 fills with water. The water does not drain to the aft bilge, the aft bilge is dry. The fresh water tank seems to be going down fast and the water pump cycles every 6 minutes. Sounds like a leak but where? I have checked the shower, toilet and sink fixtures, all fine. Anyone had a similar problem?
Many thanks,

 

[allardiced]

Another R29 we met recently mentioned a similar problem (but with the aft bilge) and it was due to one of the water supply line connections coming loose (under the sink perhaps?). In his case it came loose entirely and emptied the contents of the fresh water tank entirely into the bilge area. In fact, I think he found out that some of the areas don't effectively drain into the aft bilge and he had to use a shop-vac to pump it out himself where it wasn't draining to the bilge. Perhaps its coming mid-ship and is draining forward instead of aft. I know you said you already checked for leaks, but just wanted to provide some ideas in case it helps. Good luck.

Regards,
-Darryl

 

[blifland]

We just had a fresh water leak that emptied the 30 gal tank. The hose on the bib end of the hot water heater (from the cold/tank feed) cracked and leaked. The bilge pump emptied the bilge. Did not notice or hear anything till we docked. Put a temporary plastic hose on - it did not last more than an hour - emptied the tank again. Turned the original cracked hose around (cracked end on the tank feed) till we get a new hose - it is still holding after 5 days.

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Baetz,

Sorry that I can't pinpoint this any better, but you will need to do a bit of sleuthing yourself. When you say the forward bilge, I assume the v-berth area. The water will drain its way aft through limber holes under the tanks into the aft bilge. Were you able to check the mixing valve in the shower? That one is a bit more difficult to access, but should be able to be reached by removing the front panels in the q-berth. We haven't built the classic R29 in about eight years, but memory serves that you should be able to reach the valve that way. You will also see the remaining water lines for the forward/head area when you remove that panel. Hope this helps but let us know how it goes.

Cheers,

Ralf