RT 23 WATER IN COCKPIT COMPARTMENTS ?

[MACHAYA21]

After a number of storms water migrated into each cockpit compartment. Decided to apply closed cell foam tape to opposing perimeter on each compartment. Water was still found. I believe the tape is working ,but can't determine the source. In the cockpit on the P or S walls,to the rear of the top step(under the comming)there is an opening with an overhang. Ranger Co.said wind might drive rain in. I really doubt this. Any thoughts about this?

 

[Solomons Guy]

For perspective - After 9" of rain and wind this week we had less than a gallon of fresh water in the cockpit bilge - not enough to activate the bilge pump. Over the last year have mitigated infiltration in our 23 by 1) repairing leak in scupper drain system elbow that was dumping water into bilge, 2) permanently removing the round strainers from each drain, and, 3) tightening the latches on all 3 cockpit lids. Have not opted to add sealing tape as you did. Think this about as good as I can expect. I likely add to the problem (over the liner walls) by hosing out the cockpit thoroughly. We weren't promised a totally dry bilge and design is definitely not up to that standard. Love the boat.
Solomons ( Md) Guy

 

[baz]

A full cockpit enclosure might be the answer. :roll:

 

[Chimo]

A full cockpit enclosure might be the answer. :roll:

Good thought! For perspective one of the first things we bought when we had a 23 C-Dory (Less beam so slightly smaller cockpit) was a Sunbrella slant back cover. No more rain, dirt etc and we could leave things in the cockpit while it was in the slip without them being on show. For you, also no sun on the upholstery and whatever. Cost at that time was less than $1,000. Worth every cent.

 

[baz]

One other thought here...

On my R-27/OB with a kicker motor I eventually found after several months of sleuthing, that water was entering the center cockpit's bilge area from the kicker motor's fresh water back flushing activity. So much water was exiting the motor at its rear end with the engine raised that much of the expelled fresh water was entering the large 3" corrugated tube that houses the hydraulic and electrical wires. Water was running down through/along the 2-wire channel and down into the 3" tubing all the way to where it exits in the rear of the center cockpit's storage area, and from there the water would simply dump itself into the bilge. This took me quite some time figuring this out, and drove me a bit batty. 😉 .

I now pay close attention to back flushing the kicker motor and have sealed as best I could the means for water to enter the 3" tube. Problem solved. 😀

 

[stwendl]

For whatever it’s worth. I used to have a catamaran with two hermetically sealed scoops in the aft. There was no equipment in it and no wires or other equipment was in there. The only opening was a round rubber sealed inspection hatch of 6 in diameter. That compartment always had water in it and the only way to get in was via the hatch. No mater how tight that inspection hatch was screwed shut water was still getting in. Go figure

In my case I thought that thermal changes caused the compartment to work like a pump at times and force water thru the seals of the hatch.

 

[MACHAYA21]

Thanks for your info. When I ordered the tug I changed the bimini to a full size. No side panels. Might have minimized amount of water,but strong wind will force water into openings on P &S cockpit walls.

 

[jagizzi]

We put a full enclosure on and it has stopped water intrusion into the bilges completely. Even when the top soaks and drips through the force of that dripping is not enough to drive water over the cockpit lid edges, which was our problem. I have the foam tape to apply another layer but have yet to complete that task.

I still have rain getting into the motor mount compartment and am sure that is from the penetrations for the corrugated have and the other cables etc. It is always fresh water, not salt.

Jim