Ram
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2009
- Messages
- 86
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-248 C
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT2511I607
- Vessel Name
- Akashi
A question was asked in another discussion topic about water in the bilge. Specifically, it asked whether it was useful to put gaskets around the cockpit hatches. I've been through this myself, and here are a few points I would mention:
- When I first bought my R25 used last year I was consistently finding water in the bilge, particularly on the side where the water heater is located. That is, it was collecting on that side, and then eventually flowing down into the bilge. After much investigation and experiment I was able to track this down to a loose hose connection in the hot water heater - not water intrusion through the hatch cover as I first suspected.
- I later had another leak in the forward cabin, where water was consistently collecting on one of the side shelves. I tracked this down to a side deck cleat that wasn't securely seated. It looked ok from above, and it really surprised me that this much water could enter through such a small opening, especially since it is seated on top of the toerail.
- I keep my boat in Vancouver, where there is plenty of rain in the winter. I do keep the cockpit covered with a tarp over the bimini frame through the winter, but I've never noticed any water leaking around the hatch covers since I fixed the other leak.
- Somewhere along the way, Andrew suggested that I remove the strainers from the scuppers in the cockpit. He said they have to remove them at the factory to export to Europe, as it is apparently against code there to have any restriction in the cockpit drains.As far as I can tell, they serve no useful purpose, unless you are in the habit of dropping your wedding ring or something in the cockpit. And they are traps for dirt, leaves and other things that can clog the drains and cause the cockpit to flood. So I've taken them out.
The bottom line here is that I would check out other ways water might be getting into the bilge and deal with them before I would consider putting gaskets around the hatch covers.
- When I first bought my R25 used last year I was consistently finding water in the bilge, particularly on the side where the water heater is located. That is, it was collecting on that side, and then eventually flowing down into the bilge. After much investigation and experiment I was able to track this down to a loose hose connection in the hot water heater - not water intrusion through the hatch cover as I first suspected.
- I later had another leak in the forward cabin, where water was consistently collecting on one of the side shelves. I tracked this down to a side deck cleat that wasn't securely seated. It looked ok from above, and it really surprised me that this much water could enter through such a small opening, especially since it is seated on top of the toerail.
- I keep my boat in Vancouver, where there is plenty of rain in the winter. I do keep the cockpit covered with a tarp over the bimini frame through the winter, but I've never noticed any water leaking around the hatch covers since I fixed the other leak.
- Somewhere along the way, Andrew suggested that I remove the strainers from the scuppers in the cockpit. He said they have to remove them at the factory to export to Europe, as it is apparently against code there to have any restriction in the cockpit drains.As far as I can tell, they serve no useful purpose, unless you are in the habit of dropping your wedding ring or something in the cockpit. And they are traps for dirt, leaves and other things that can clog the drains and cause the cockpit to flood. So I've taken them out.
The bottom line here is that I would check out other ways water might be getting into the bilge and deal with them before I would consider putting gaskets around the hatch covers.