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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Cabin leak

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River Harley
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132 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/16/2002 : 04:24:44

Fellow sailors:
I recently made an examination of my C250 at the "dry" storage lot where I keep the boat in the winter months. The boat has a cover on it, however, some rain makes its way in where the cover has opening for the shrouds. Upon checking the cabin interior I discovered a slow drip from around the plate/bolt assembly to which the port side shroud is anchored through the cabin overhead. Of course this resulted in wet cushions inside. The boat being brand new (approximately 5 sailing hours on it), I found this to be discouraging. Does anyone know if this is a not-so-uncommon problem with brand new boats, or does this defect suggest that a serious underlying problem exists with my particular boat? I have loosened the shroud tension should this be the source of the problem. Is this leak one which can be remedied while maintaining the entegrity of this area of the cabin roof and shroud support?

River

Edited by - on

Ray Seitz
Captain

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USA
416 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2002 : 07:28:19

I have found a few leaks in my C250. So far the ones I have found have been easy to stop. There has been one which I have not found
( I suspect the portlight in the head ) which periodically places a small puddle in the head. I would say you must track the leaks down and seal them off. I am pretty sure we all have Balsa cores topsides which must not be allowed to be wet all the time.

I usually remove anything during winter storage which would support the growth of mold, this would include cushions.

Ray Seitz C 250WB #628 Sea Major

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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1709 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2002 : 09:17:54

[quote]

"The boat has a cover on it, however, some rain makes its way in where the cover has opening for the shrouds. Upon checking the cabin interior I discovered a slow drip from around the plate/bolt assembly to which the port side shroud is anchored through the cabin overhead".

River,

I've had my C-25T for 14 years and have never had a cabin leak. You may have had the shroud over-tightened, causing the sealant to separate from the deck. You need to deal with the "cover" leak before you can repair the chainplate leak however. Once seepage through the cover is stopped you can remove the leaking chainplate, let the balsa core dry, reseal, and then replace the chainplate. I suggest a good quality 3M sealant. Ensure you do not use an adhesive sealant. You may need to remove the chainplate again and you will have a devil of a time getting it off if it's glued on.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - aeckhart on 12/16/2002 09:22:49

Edited by - on

jfesi
Navigator

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USA
101 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2002 : 11:24:15

If your boat is still under warranty call the dealer you made the purchase from. I've had some major (center board) issues, and some smaller problems (leaking tank hoses, and foward hatch) all resolved under warranty. Good Luck.

Tropical Sleigh wb619

Edited by - on

Ray Seitz
Captain

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416 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2002 : 12:32:10

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If your boat is still under warranty call the dealer you made the purchase from. I've had some major (center board) issues, and some smaller problems (leaking tank hoses, and foward hatch) all resolved under warranty. Good Luck.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Brad has a good point about going back to the dealer. That should be your starting point if possible. In my case I found it easier to fix some of the minor leaks myself rather than taking the boat out and hauling it over to the dealer who may or may not get it fixed the first time ( in my case not on the first try ).

Ray Seitz C 250WB #628 Sea Major

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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1038 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2002 : 17:02:26

River

The boat should be under warranty. If your boat is not on the trailer have the dealership come to the boat.

Bryan Beamer
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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342 Posts

Response Posted - 12/17/2002 : 22:55:55

i agree. our boat is 3 years old and we have never had a leak. call the dealer. if that doesn't work call catalina and THEY will call the dealer. don't let them push you off. that boat is under warranty, they HAVE to fix it. in the meantime, dont over stress about it. it will be ok one way or the other. its a beautiful boat. you just have to work out the kinks. its just rain water.. it could be worse. dont let this damper your sprits. you will have several wonderful years with this boat. JUST MAKE THEM FIX IT. end of story. (and they will) good luck...

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

Edited by - on

Sailor Vic
1st Mate

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56 Posts

Response Posted - 12/18/2002 : 11:55:47

I too am VERY dissapointed with my 6 month old boat in regards to leaks coming from above.

I discovered that my cushions in the Aft Berth are totally soaked and therefor mildewed.

I bought a NEW boat so that I wouldn't have these types of problems.

I have yet to know exactly where the leak (or leaks) is coming from but believe it to be from above the battery area.

I believe that it is coming from the pockets (outside little storage area). They have two drilled holes to let out water but it appears to me that there is no seal to prevent water from flowing to down below.

I don't think it warrants taking my boat out of the water, drive/towing 4 - 4 1/2 hours each way and spending days dealing with my dealer who might just put some silicone in there is an option for me.

Receiving a brand new boat without a design flaw would be nice but I don't think that's possible either and so, I am prepared mentally to have to deal with this myself.

The design might have a flaw which I did not recognize.

My initial love of Catalina brand has been diminished (I was even eyeing an additional larger Catalina for the S.F. bay).

Anyone else have this problem with a leak in that aft area?

Anyone ever called Catalina with this problem?

Anyone ever received new cushions due to Catalina having done a bad job?

Vic
250WH #660

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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1038 Posts

Response Posted - 12/18/2002 : 15:31:54

Vic

It seems like you are killing yourself mentally over this issue. MAKE THE DEALER come to YOUR boat and keep coming until the problem is fixed. Look at it like a new house with problems. The builder comes back to fix the problems and keeps coming until the problem is fixed. They aren't losing any money, Catalina will pay the dealer for the their time and materials for the repairs and new cushions. Don't try to deal with this your self. My dealer is 31/2 hrs away and they would come to my boat if I needed them too.

I have not had any leaking problems (other that the holding tank for the head)so I can't help you find it . Yours must be an isolated incident. Have not heard alot about your problem from anyone else.

Good luck hope everything goes well.

Bryan Beamer
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

cathluk
Admiral

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513 Posts

Response Posted - 12/18/2002 : 16:52:01

We found that if it rains hard enough that even with the hatch locked & the canvas cover over the hatch that the hatch can slide open enough to let some water in. We now hook a bungee over the hatch & pull it to the traveler car. No more problem although I'll probably end up wearing a spot in my canvas cover eventually.

That said it sounds like both your problems are MUCH more serious and since you bought your boat new I would INSIST THE DEALER MAKE IT RIGHT - that's why you paid all those bucks for a new boat! If you wanted problems you could have bought used! And definitely push to get new cushions!

Cathy
"Blown Away"
'97 C250WK #253

Edited by - on

River Harley
Navigator

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132 Posts

Response Posted - 12/18/2002 : 21:12:31

Sailor Vic:
I feel your pain. My boat buying experience has been VERY discouraging. I too bought a new boat because I was tired of a wet, damp older boat. My problem is that the dealer has been a nightmare to deal with. When first taking delivery, there were numerous problems with the boat...most actually caused by the dealer(the head had even been used and not cleaned out - this was one "accessory" we hadn't asked for. This leak I suspect is yet another example...when we picked it up, we noticed that the shrouds had been attached with extreme tension (one observer said that he feared possible damage). We addressed the initial problems with the dealer. When I suggested (quite civily) that the damage had been caused by him, he immediately burst into a tirade - to the point of name-calling (I made it a point NOT to reciprocate because my teenage son was sitting in the room with me). I was so upset I decided to "bite the bullet" and pay for the repairs myself. We've spent a couple of thousand dollars for problems caused by the dealer's sloppy installation of options, among other things. We'd hoped everything was in order, until the leak problem. Again, the experience with the dealer was so distasteful, we'll just pay for it ourselves. I must say though, that on one issue which we dealt directly with Catalina on, their response was superb. I have no complaints with the builder. Pardon my venting, but it sounded as if you've been frustrated as well, my friend.

To everyone else: it is wonderful to know ya'll are out there and are always so helpful. Thanks!

River

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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1038 Posts

Response Posted - 12/18/2002 : 21:52:14

River

Just wondering what Catalina said about your experience with the bad dealer. Tell us who the dealer is so other people on this site that live in your area will know not to do business with them.

Bryan Beamer
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2002 : 01:06:09

dealers, hahahahah. we ordered a new boat at the rhode island boat show three years ago in the fall. they told us not to "bother them until february". in february we called to see if the boat was in, and they said "what boat" hahahaha. it never came in, probably because they never ordered it, even though we gave them a big deposit on it, so in order to have a boat for the spring, we had to buy the SHOW BOAT. we are not sorry we did that, it had a million options that we would not have thought of, but we ended up paying for them!!!! we do get water in the aft berth. we were told that it was a design FLAW in the hatch. we were told to use the canvas. most of the time it works, but not all the time. so now we put a tarp over the bed and that seems to help. it should not happen but it does. it is such a nice boat, we decided to live with it. enjoy your boat. what else can you do?

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

Edited by - on

jfesi
Navigator

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USA
101 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2002 : 12:15:39

I feel for all you who have spent big bucks and feel short changed by your dealer. I feel blessed to have bought my boat in St. Pete Fl. Masthead was the dealer, and has been nothing but impeccable. From ordering the boat to him delivering and setting up on the water and test sailing, they have responded and sent service techs. out to my boat (over 60 miles) no sooner than I complained (leaks and cable snappola). They even bit the bullet and paided to have the boat hauled when the cable snapped. Catalina still till this day has not paid them. Anyway keep in mind they are salepeople who make a living from selling. I wouldn't just let go of a jerk getting away with murder. I'd pay a visit as well to the next boat show he/she "attempts" to sell a boat at. There is no excuse for that type of treatment.
Anyway, good luck. Love my catalina!
Tropical Sleigh WB619

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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2980 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2002 : 14:50:27

There seems to be at least two leak concerns with the (faulty designed) hatch. Inadequate drainage and drip stop.

The rain gutter is inadequate in the front of the hatch to handle much water. Gutter slope is compromised if the boat isn't sitting level. It is subject to collecting air born trash and plugging.

For the drip stop to be effective, as has been mentioned, the hatch must be fully aft to get the drip stop (dato groove on under surface) aft of the companionway board otherwise water walks back under the lexan hatch and hits the water stop and drips within the boat.

Check to insure that drip stop is aft of the companionway hatch board and that it is not bridged at any point.

<img src="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/images/helming.jpg" border=0>
Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
R&R N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

Tom Coleman
Deckhand

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USA
19 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2002 : 18:53:17

Sailor Vic;
Are you sure the water in the aft area is not from condensation? I have a 2001 250wb and will frequently find moisture in this area. But I have never suspected any leakage. (I have had water come in through the wheel steering rudder attachment which exits through the transom and is poorly protected by a rubber boot. I believe I have fixed this problem however.) If you truly have a problem, Catalina will take care of it. If necessary, talk to Frank directly. He seems quite accessible. Best of luck.

Tom Coleman
"Kalya"
C250WB
Salt Lake City

Edited by - on

Sailor Vic
1st Mate

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56 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2002 : 20:38:01

Thanks Tom.

It is definitely a leak where I can see the water coming from above the battery area, between the seams.

I taped the outside storage pocket on the starboard side shut and the leak has almost all gone.

Outside, below those pockets it doesn't appear there is any sealant or anything. Seems like maybe that is missing? Anyone know what prevents water in those two outer pockets from going down to below (besides the two weep holes that are drilled). Seems that when there is any water in that area it just goes to below.

Up front I also have a leak around the hatch. It's not quiet as bad and possibly some of it is now from condensation (I doubt it but am open to that idea) but the aft leak is so bad that we are talking pints and quarts of water.

Edited by - on

River Harley
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132 Posts

Response Posted - 12/20/2002 : 03:37:00

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
River

Just wondering what Catalina said about your experience with the bad dealer. Tell us who the dealer is so other people on this site that live in your area will know not to do business with them.

Bryan Beamer
Daylight Again
C250wk #495
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Bryan:
Catalina's response regarding the dealer was an apology, then basically...."There are some things we can do about the dealer, and some things we can't."

The dealer we bought from is "Sailboats of Oregon" Portland, Oregon

River

Edited by - on

jkountz
1st Mate

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USA
48 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2002 : 19:03:31

I also noticed water accumulation on the rear berth after leaving the boat without the companionway canvas cover. Arlyn's comment is right on about the issue. If I keep the cover on everything is fine.

Interestingly, I also bought my C250K from Sailboats of Oregon. It was the second boat I'd purchased from them. The first was a C22 which turned out to have lots of leaks, one in the forward hatch which we never did resolve, and another in the keel cable joint to he underside which nearly resulted in the boat sinking. Both of these were fit and finish issues that Catalina was responsible for. When I complained about this Glen said, repeatedly, that all production sailboats had problems like this.

While I had issues that needed to be worked out, both Catalina and Sailboats of Oregon were responsive to making the required repairs. The problem I found with both Catalina and Sailboats of Oregon was lack of attention to detail. If either or both of them had applied more quality assurance, the leaks and other issues would have been resolved before delivery. As it was, I basically had to debug the boat and point them at the exact problem. Once that happened, I got results.

Forum's like this make owning and operating one of these boats much more enjoyable. You can rely on finding accurate and valuable information regarding repairs and maintenanace on these boats. Catalina could easily take quality up a couple of notches by simply monitoring this forum.

Edited by - on

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