Rainwater getting into bilge

[max from alaska]

I have a 2014 R27. Minor question: has anyone discovered how rainwater gets into the bilge? The deck has the overhead canvas roof which keeps most of the rain off the deck. Anything reaching the deck should be captured by the drain/scupper system which I always keep clean. This happens when on the trailer so it isn’t seawater.
This isn’t normally a problem because in the summer the bilge pump kicks on; however this year in the fall it rained, then froze, and the bilge and bilge pump were frozen solid in ice. Fortunately after thawing it out, draining it, and re-winterizing it, nothing was damaged.

 

[Red Raven]

On our 2014 R27 there are multiple ways water gets into the bilge/lockers from rain.

First, the bimini doesn’t stop rain from getting in the cockpit unless you have a full enclosure. The bimini doesn’t completely cover all the cockpit, rain splashes off the gunwhale, and is blown in from the wind.

Second, the locker gutters don’t always capture all the water and if the boat is not level or the drains plugged the water can overflow the gutters (the rubber seals in the lid are not effective).

Third, the forward port locker (generator locker) has a raised step and the water does not stay in the drain channels well. I’m often finding water in there.

Last is the compartment under aft cockpit seat. Any water that gets into the compartment drains into the bilge. I think the water collects on the gunwhale and runs down behind the seat back.

I have modified my bimini to provide better coverage and added RV style gutters to direct the drainage. Water still gets in the cockpit but it is better. Beyond that I just check the lockers often and wipe them out if wet and let the bilge pumps do the rest.

If you are on a trailer in the winter I would just leave the drain plug out of the boat and make sure the bow is somewhat raised.

Curt

 

[Hamster]

Most likely your scuppers are plugged and it overflowed into the bilge. Look at your outlet and clean it. Fall leaves and other crud accumulate to block the flow. I removed the flaps from my scuppers.

 

[tranmkp]

All the above on my 27 classic - all the scuppers clog up - I clean them every week. I run a wire into the drain holes in the bilge to clear them out. Water gets into bilge when washing. Ill be replacing the rubber gaskets and see how well that helps

 

[Diver]

Had mystery leaks in my 2010. Finally decided to reseal the rub rail. Did not find any specific spot but it did solve the problem. It's not a hard job. Remove the rail. You'll probably find some bent screws. Clean the seam between top and hull. Calk the seam with a flex able sealant such a Boatlife. As you reattach the rail be sure to pump calk into each of the screw holes! Water will follow the screws!

 

[knotflying]

If your scupper drains still have the plastic grill, remove them. Make sure all drain hoses running parallel to deck floor have no sags. On a regular basis force water into drains using a hose from the dock. Flip up the rubber flappers at the discharge end to let out any large debris. I was able to get my hand between the stern and swim step space at the flappers. Using a bent open paper clip, you can squeeze it in between the edge and lift it. Or you can screw in a small stainless screw to grab and lift it. Leave the screw in for use later. Even with clean drains you can get water overflow. I always thought this was a design flaw. Larger and deeper gutters with a better positive seal would be better.