Classic R29 Getting Fresh water in bow bilge

[aroett]

Hello all,
I have a 2010 R29 classic model. For the last year I’ve had fresh water accumulating in the bow under the false floor under the front bunk. The area is right in front of holding tank and near shower sump pump box. Quite a bit of water accumulates here over weeks.

-It’s not from shower as it is present even when shower not used
-May be an issue with weeping holes in engine room that this water doesn’t flow back to stern? Have tried to clean the engine compartment ones but I guess without success
-Has to be either rain water or water tank water. Since we’ve had very little rain last month, I now think it’s coming from fresh water system (we also seem to be using more water these days!)

So now to the questions:

1. Is there any sort of drawing or photos that shows the bilge layout of this boat? I’d like to see how the bilge is all connected
2. Should water found in bow under bunk end up in engine compartment?
3. Could water from a leaky tank or say the kitchen sink end up in bow?
4. Besides removing the inner wall in the cave bunk, any other tips to gain access to all the plumbing hoses? I think I’m going to have to try and see all the hoses and look for drips?

Thank you for any help you can provide!
Adey

 

[Baetz]

We had the same problem with our 2012 R29 Classic. The problem was the water line was stretched below the shower floor to the toilet. Years of vibration had worn a leak. You knew it was leaking because the water pump cycled too often and there was water in the forward bilge. You knew it was fresh water by the smell and the water pump cycling. The water did not drain to the rear bilge because the LIMBER holes that are supposed to take the water aft were plugged.
The repair on the water line is done at the toilet and with cave access. It is difficult but can be done. The limber holes are a difficult problem. You can find them, takes some searching in the engine compartment. Then you have to clear the holes which I am still trying to do with a fine sink clearing snake. It will try your patience. It is important to do though because there is no pump in the forward bilge. When water goes in the forward bilge it stays there until the limber holes are cleared or you bail it out.
Not much help, sorry, that is our story.

 

[RobMcClain]

I had a similar problem in my Cutwater 30 and couldn’t figure out where the water was coming from. Then last week I removed the anchor chain and rode to mark it. After doing this I washed out the dirty anchor locker. While washing I noticed there was no water coming out of the locker drain port located in the side of the hull. I subsequently removed the forward floorboard and found dirty water. Next up was figuring out the best way to inspect the locker drain and connecting tube. I finally discovered the fabric covered boards around the master berth actually lift up and remove, and behind the center one is an easy open 5 or 6” plastic port. I popped off the cap and could then see the drain port up in the locker, as well as the drain port in the side of the hull. Noticeably absent was any sort of connecting hose! When building the boat the factory had neglected to install the necessary hose. As a result, water from the locker was simply draining down and directly into the hull where it collected nearby the shower sump and transducer divot. I have since obtained some hose and stainless clamps and when I get back to the boat I will properly connect it.

Rob

 

[EdHat]

Had a similar water issue on my r23. Not sure if 29 has the trailer light option. I didn’t order this option but it seems they run the wire harness either way. The plug comes out in the anchor locker, there was no sealer around the wire. Water would run off the deck through the hole and down into the front compartment. Wetting all the mattresses

 

[aroett]

Hello,

Thanks for the info "Baetz" and others.
My toilet uses salt water so won't be the same hose as you - but agree that one of the freshwater hoses is probably the culprit. Just accessing them all is the issue! I originally thought anchor well, but I see the issue even after long periods of no rain.

Back to the Limber (weeping) holes. I keep hearing of these but an unsure where they are exactly. In your R29 - can you tell me exactly where they are or send a photo?

And Ranger tugs --> do you have any sort of drawing or description that shows wheat the bilges look like so I can try to pinpoint what hose is leading to water in the forward bilge? Can you also tell me where the Limber holes are?

Thanks all,
Adey