Locate (and seal) leak over C30 helm

[SJI Sailor]

Our 2019 C30 (sedan) has a new leak over the helm when underway. I have not seen it previously, and have not observed it (yet) while docked ... but when we got underway yesterday we saw a steady drip that increased whenever the boat would roll or turn.

The drip is right over the right-hand side chartplotter, dripping down from the cherry liner. It feels like it is running down between the fiberglass and the wood -- i.e., it is already on the underside of the fiberglass there.

So it seems that there is a pool of water inside the ceiling that is finding a path down when the boat rocks. The question is how to find that. I'm curious: (1) what sources would other folks suspect, and (2) how best would you think to fix them?

My top 3 candidates -- just guessing! -- are:

1. Starboard side nav light. Why? The sealant there looks minimal, and I know the port side leaked when the boat was new (factory had not sealed it at all). It would also lead to a location that seems likely to have this behavior of a pool of water sitting around. Assumed fix: add more sealant in and around the wiring there.

Note, by "sealant", I mean Starbrite Silicone Sealant https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AYBZU or something similar (not 4200 etc.). I assume that would be best for this sort of thing.

2. Screws on top of the boat that attach the fiberglass lip over the helm windows. Why? They are in the general area and there are a bunch of them. Assumed fix: unscrew each, put in some sealant; tighten to 90%, add a bit more sealant; tighten and wipe off. [Is that right? I have not messed with the fiberglass screws before, but it seems right.]

3. The top lip of the windshield. Why? It is in the right place, and there is an edge to catch water. OTOH, there is nowhere for it really to pool, and I'm not sure it would exit where I'm observing. Assume fix: clean the top edge of the windshield and add a line of sealant along it.

Of course it could be almost anywhere on top. Can you think of another "favorite" location? Thanks in advance!

 

[gsc3]

We had a water leak problem on our 2016 Cutwater 24, which turned out to be from the joint of the sunscreen visor and the windscreen, as described in our post "Fixed Water Leak on 2016 Cutwater 24," June 1, 2020, 8:35pm. We fixed the leak with liberal applications of marine caulk. One of many possibilities for water leakage. Good luck.

Slade Cargill
Longboat Key, FL
Sojourner, 2016 Cutwater 24

 

[SJI Sailor]

Thank you, Slade! I just found your post http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15472&p=102262&hilit=cutwater+24+leak#p102262. That sounds like a good possibility related to my #3 idea.

One minor difference is that we don't observe this with rain (at least not yet) but only when the boat rocks -- in dry weather -- and the water presumably sloshes over from wherever it is pooling.

This makes me wonder whether maybe we should just pull the headliner. She's going to the boat yard this week anyway (for bottom paint and other routine work).

 

[Kevin Lamont]

Our 2019 C30 (sedan) has a new leak over the helm when underway. I have not seen it previously, and have not observed it (yet) while docked ... but when we got underway yesterday we saw a steady drip that increased whenever the boat would roll or turn.

The drip is right over the right-hand side chartplotter, dripping down from the cherry liner. It feels like it is running down between the fiberglass and the wood -- i.e., it is already on the underside of the fiberglass there.

So it seems that there is a pool of water inside the ceiling that is finding a path down when the boat rocks. The question is how to find that. I'm curious: (1) what sources would other folks suspect, and (2) how best would you think to fix them?

My top 3 candidates -- just guessing! -- are:

1. Starboard side nav light. Why? The sealant there looks minimal, and I know the port side leaked when the boat was new (factory had not sealed it at all). It would also lead to a location that seems likely to have this behavior of a pool of water sitting around. Assumed fix: add more sealant in and around the wiring there.

Note, by "sealant", I mean Starbrite Silicone Sealant https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AYBZU or something similar (not 4200 etc.). I assume that would be best for this sort of thing.

2. Screws on top of the boat that attach the fiberglass lip over the helm windows. Why? They are in the general area and there are a bunch of them. Assumed fix: unscrew each, put in some sealant; tighten to 90%, add a bit more sealant; tighten and wipe off. [Is that right? I have not messed with the fiberglass screws before, but it seems right.]

3. The top lip of the windshield. Why? It is in the right place, and there is an edge to catch water. OTOH, there is nowhere for it really to pool, and I'm not sure it would exit where I'm observing. Assume fix: clean the top edge of the windshield and add a line of sealant along it.

Of course it could be almost anywhere on top. Can you think of another "favorite" location? Thanks in advance!

Hello,

First I am sorry to hear of the leak you are dealing with, those ones can be tricky since you only see it when the boat pitches and rolls.

I think you are on the right path with dropping some or most of the headliner and then check to see if there is any sign of water leak. Sometimes you can see the path of water that has dried. Having a second hand is always a big help so someone can spray and another can look for leaks. Be sure to lightly spray areas and don't go too fast, I would be checking the STRBD nav light and overhead hatches but I would lean towards the NAV light with the description you are giving. Hope this helps!!

Thanks,

 

[SJI Sailor]

Thank you, Kevin! That sounds like a good plan. Most likely I will ask the boat yard to do that, but maybe myself (depends on my mood, LOL). I will report back if I learn anything of general interest!