Leaks

[Jfenwood]

We purchased our Ranger 29 1917 this year. There is a leak in the main berth mostly on the starboard side, in the head ( which runs into all the storage space) and at the steering station (maybe from the window). There are stains on the fabric covered walls which indicates this has been a problem for a while, though we did not catch it when inspecting the boat. Evidence of leaking is in the storage locker and along the ledges next to the bed. The surveyor did not see it either. Do you have recommended ways to locate these as well as how to do the repairs.

 

[Bart Keil]

We have the same issue on our R29S (2011). Mostly over the helm door and same area on port side. Watching for ideas!

 

[Phil Nersessian]

I have found that most leaks above the waterline are mostly when washing the boat. Try not to force jets of water into every nook and cranny when washing. No boat is 100% watertight in every instance.I f you can have someone inside watching while you wash ( try washing bottom to top in this case) the leaks may show themselves.

 

[nzfisher]

I have a leak above the helm window starboard side and, newly developed, an intermittent leak that shows up in the bottom of the starboard side cabinet adjacent to the head. As the boat ages the leaks seem less of an issue as opposed to other issues of failing systems. Not much reassurance or help I am afraid.

 

[holdendodge]

the leaks on my 31CB were from the small courtesy lights on the port and starboard sides. the product I used is "Captain Tolley"s Creeping Crack Cure". I got it from Amazon, for 24 dollars. Did the treatment 4 times and have zero leaks since.

 

[Thorolson]

I’ll second Captain Tolley"s... we had a few leaks on our R29 ( around the compass and courtesy lights) and it did the trick. It did take a few applications though.

 

[BB marine]

From your description are you asking about two different leaks? I had a leak starboard side along the fiberglass liner ledge in V berth area. It was not consistent, it ran along the ledge and drained down at the head bulkhead wall and soaked the v berth mattress. C26 has a different berth but the liner design is similar to the R-29 S. It took me two years to find it. My suspicion was the port windows or rub rail. I was on board during a driving rain and after some dismantling of interior I found the leak.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12349&start=0&hilit=leak

I believe the R 29 has a similar hull to deck attachment with a similar anchor shoot. Long shot but something to look at. The rub rail is also a possibility. The rub rail I'm sure is sealed but the screws lacking sealant can cause a path for water to leak by. Contrary to another post I use water hose pressure to find leaks. We trailer our boat and have been on the road at 50 to 60 mph in a driving rain the rain finds all the nooks and canny's. I don't want surprises when I get to where we are going. I realize as boats get older sealant drys out and leaks occur. They can all be fixed with persistence. Its tough on a boat though the leak sometimes shows up 5 or 10 feet from where it is leaking in. Good luck finding and repairing the leak.

 

[Jaxtugboat]

I have a recently acquired 2018 R23 and love it! Last night we had a pretty good rain, but for once I was ready for it an closed the boat up tight before the storm. This morning there was water on the dinette table and the water is dripping from above at the back end of the decorative wood piece that the curtain attaches to, just forward of the port side porthole. Has anyone had this same thing happen or have an idea where this might be entering the cabin top from?

Thanks - Jack

 

[SJI Sailor]

We had a leak after heavy rain due to the port side nav light not being well sealed. It did not look like it was sealed well, and adding some sealant fixed it. So I would check all the cable connectors through the roof, as one place to start.

 

[wildbrian1]

My leak over my dinette was from a bad seal for the solar panel cable. New seal, all good now.

 

[vertigo]

We purchased our Ranger 29 1917 this year. There is a leak in the main berth mostly on the starboard side, in the head ( which runs into all the storage space) and at the steering station (maybe from the window). There are stains on the fabric covered walls which indicates this has been a problem for a while, though we did not catch it when inspecting the boat. Evidence of leaking is in the storage locker and along the ledges next to the bed. The surveyor did not see it either. Do you have recommended ways to locate these as well as how to do the repairs.

Some leakage is inevitable in a 1917 boat. 😀

Seriously, though, every rain leak can be solved with diligence and persistence. It's often easier to to solve by closely examining all penetrations from the outside in and resealing anything that appears suspect rather than tearing apart the interior chasing drips back to their source.

 

[SkookumR29]

We have an older R29 and were getting a little leaking at the v-birth ceiling just foreword of the helm station. From past posts, I checked the deck-mounted compass and sure enough, there was no caulking used at install. I removed compass, caulked and replaced - leaking has stopped.

I also agree that it is smart to hose the boat down carefully to avoid direct high pressure around penetrations.

 

[knotflying]

Check out the outside compass. This has been known to be the culprit.