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Leaking C-25

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phibobear
Deckhand

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USA
3 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/27/2011 : 22:27:42

We recently bought a 1983 C-25. When it rains, a large amount of water runs down the aft bulkhead, between the head and main cabin. The base of the mast (including bolts) and hand rails were caulked by the previous owner and appear to be intact. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to track down the source of the leak? Also, does the ice box empty into the bilge?

Many thanks.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2011 : 06:10:35

Welcome and congratulations on your new toy.

There are lots and lots of threads on leaking boats here. If you do a quick search, you'll find more than you ever wanted to know. It is not that uncommon, on a nealry 30 year old boat, for the windows to leak along with the stanchions, mast plate, chainplates and any other hole through the deck. You mentioned the PO "caulked" the parts. If he/she didn't re-bed them and just laid caulk around them, you'll have a bit of a project on your hands. As you read through some of our archives, you'll find a lot about re-bedding the fittings that penetrate the deck. It involves removal of the fittings, cleaning, applying a marine bedding compound, of which there are many, and re-installing the fitting. Just be sure that you use a bedding compund, not an adhesive.

You can do a few quick things to try to find the source. Have a friend on deck with a garden hose and have them walk around spraying water on all the stanchions, windows, etc. while you're below watching for leaks. Take a piece of chalk and run a line around the inside of the hull a few inches below the deck joint first. As the water runs in, you'll notice its path as it crosses the chalk.

Don't know where you are so, I don't know if you have an "off season". But for those of us up north, these projects keep us connected to the boat in the winter time.

Sorry, can't help with the ice box question but somebody will know.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2011 : 07:11:20

The icebox T's into the galley sink drain to a back check valve to the thruhull. Where on the bulkhead? Forward or aft side? Midships or lateral (mast or chainplates)?

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phibobear
Deckhand

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USA
3 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2011 : 08:17:18

Thanks. So, it was not the ice box that dumped some water into the bilge one day. Nor was it the water tank, as we completely filled it, sailed and then checked. Another mystery. As for the leak when it rains, there are more water stains about in the middle on the main cabin (aft, lateral) side of the bulkhead, port side. But, now, more water is coming in on the head (forward, lateral) side. So, it must be from the mast. I guess we could remove the old caulking and re-do it. I'm not interested in re-stepping the mast, which is the only other thing I can think of. We haven't had any green water coming over the deck when sailing (and that's a good thing!), but water does not come in when we hose the boat off.

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2011 : 08:59:45

If water isn't coming in from the top, it's coming in from the bottom. That's a bad sign. If you're in salt water, stick your finger in the water and taste it. If it's salty, it's coming through the hull. I'm inclined to think it's coming from above, though.

There are a lot of threads about taking the mast down and, those that have done it say it's scary the first time and easy thereafter. Search for "a-frame" in the search engine on top of this page.

The problem with ignoring a leaky deck is that the deck is cored with wood and if that rots, you then have a repair that might cost more than the boat.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2011 : 09:01:34

Could be getting in through the mast light connector just to the left of the mast on the deck.

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phibobear
Deckhand

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USA
3 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2011 : 17:19:01

It's definitely fresh water. I'm thinking (hoping!!) that it could be the light connector. Will also tap around the deck to see if there is some damage next week when we go to the boat. Thanks!

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.