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Where did all this water come from?

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Tray
Navigator

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Namibia
224 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/04/2002 : 18:51:51

I went to check on the boat today after launching it Saturday. When I opened the companion way hatch I found water on the deck of the cabin. There was about 2 inches of water pooled under the mattress of the aft berth.<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle> I tasted it and it wasn’t salty. We had a lot of rain Sunday and somehow it got into the cabin. I can’t tell for sure were it came from. There was also a little water in the head that leaked from the opening port, but it doesn’t appear to be the culprit. The deck of the head was relatively dry compared to the deck of the cabin and aft berth. The V-berth is dry so I know it didn’t come from the FWD hatch. I'm afraid the companion way hatch might be to blame.

It had been on the trailer since December. It had a small leak from the forward hatch, but after I added more weather stripping, it stayed dry the whole time.

Where could it be coming from and why didn't it leak on the trailer? Any ideas?

Thanks,

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"
<img src="http://personalpages.tds.net/~trahan/img4.jpg" border=0>

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2002 : 19:43:39

I would suspect that if you went below, closed the boat up and had a way for some one to spray water around any suspect area outside the boat duplicating the rain you would find your leak. Sorry about your misfortune.

"Bear" on C250WB #089

Edited by - on

n/a
deleted

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125 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2002 : 21:40:27

If the rain was a driving rain....the companionway slide is a leaker.
Even with the companion slide locked,, you can move it 1/2 inch forward or back....and if it's forward, you get leaking, particularly if the toungue is lower than level. On C250's I've seen some guys mak a canvas piece that snaps onthe top of the slider, and hangs 4-5 inches down the face of the companionway door, so all water runs down past the crack under the slider.

Edited by - on

MarkTM
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USA
178 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2002 : 09:22:55

When I bought my boat, I ordered the canvas package which included a Sunbrella companionway cover, mainsail cover, winch covers and pedestal cover. The Sunbrella companionway cover completely covers the sliding top hatch and vertical hatchboard. I've never had a drop of water in my C250wb. Well, I did have water in the small bilge under the aft berth . . . but that was due to a leaking ballast valve gasket. Replacing the gasket and building up the area around the valve quickly eliminated the leaking from the ballast tank.

Early on I thought the water in the bilge was from leaking coaming compartments. I now know it was definitely ballast water. It is amazing how much water will leak . . . drop by drop . . . from that valve if the seal is not tight.

Mark Melchior
C250wb "Lorelei" #384
[url="http://www.texassailor.com/"]<img src="http://www.texassailor.com/texas.gif " border=0>[/url]
(click flag to visit Central Texas Sailor)

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Tray
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Namibia
224 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2002 : 16:50:48

Mark,

Strange that you mention the canvas. I too have the canvas option, and this incident was the only time I left the companion way canvas off. It doesn't seem right that all that water will leak in by not having the canvas in place.<img src=icon_smile_angry.gif border=0 align=middle> What if I was anchored out somewhere? I wouldn't have the canvas over the companion way...although I would probably have the pop-top enclosure on...hmmm. I don't know. I think I'll try the hose test this weekend.

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"
<img src="http://personalpages.tds.net/~trahan/img4.jpg" border=0>

Edited by - on

cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2002 : 17:26:09

We have also had the companionway hatch leak - even with the canvas if the rain is bad enough. Now we bungee cord the hatch shut by attaching one end the the hatch handle & the other around our lines hanging above the traveler (we keep it in the water, but I'm sure you could find something to bungee it to). We have also found that a lot of condensation will form under the rear bunk cushions if you don't prop them up.

Cathy
"Blown Away"
'97 C250WK #253

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 03/10/2002 : 23:45:38

I discovered water on my cabin sole before. Found out the plug had come loose on the ice box!

Safe voyages,
Ben, FL s/v Chick-a-pea C250wk

Edited by - on

cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 03/11/2002 : 08:38:08

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I discovered water on my cabin sole before. Found out the plug had come loose on the ice box!

Safe voyages,
Ben, FL s/v Chick-a-pea C250wk
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

I've done that too!<img src=icon_smile_blush.gif border=0 align=middle>

Cathy
"Blown Away"
'97 C250WK #253

Edited by - on

Tray
Navigator

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Namibia
224 Posts

Response Posted - 03/11/2002 : 19:25:29

I found some new, brownish water on the cabin deck today. I appears that water ballast is leaking from the valve operator under the bottom step, and found its way into the cabin through little hole I haven't noticed before in the fiberglass of the bottom step. Patching the hole should be easy enough, but does anybody know how to stop the ballast from leaking under that gasket of the wing-handle?

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"

Edited by - on

MarkTM
Navigator

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USA
178 Posts

Response Posted - 03/11/2002 : 20:46:18

Tray,

I know what it is like to have a leaking ballast valve. During a two day (40 mi) regatta in 1999, I couldn't figure out why my C250wb was slowing during day 2 of the race. The boat was fairly new to me at that time and I attributed it to skipper inexperience. After returning to my marina, I found that the bilge area beneath the aft berth was almost completely full. I didn't think the ballast valve was the problem at that time . . . I thought maybe the ballast tank was leaking through a bad seam or rupture. A call to the factory pointed to the possibility of the value.

Since the factory installed the all-thread valve rod off-center and at the edge of the valve housing, the rubber gasket could not get a good seal. Every time we heeled, the drip became a small stream . . . over two days enough to fill that bilge.

I bought another stainless washer that matched the one already on the all-thread. I liberally applied 3M 5200 to this washer an pressed it to the housing so that the washer was perfectly perpendicular to the rod. This builds ups the lip on the fiberglass housing. I also bought a more "stout" rubber gasket. Now, the loose stainless washer and rubber gasket seal tightly on the fixed washer. No more leaks. The bilge has been bone dry ever since . . . a haven for spiders.

Mark Melchior
C250wb "Lorelei" #384
[url="http://www.texassailor.com/"]<img src="http://www.texassailor.com/texas.gif " border=0>[/url]
(click flag to visit Central Texas Sailor)

Edited by - on

Tray
Navigator

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Namibia
224 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2002 : 20:11:55

Thanks, Mark. Apparently the factory is still installing that valve rod off-center. Mine goes right through the edge of the housing. I was thinking about building it up with silicon sealant, but I think I'll try your suggestion.

I haven't checked my bilge. I'll look this weekend. If heeling caused the ballast to run out, I'm sure I've got some of it in the bilge. Ben-FL gave my wife and I some strong wind sailing lessons Sunday, and we did a little heeling that could've caused that ballast to leak by. BTW, Ben is a great teacher. My wife is no longer afraid of the boat. Hopefully, I can keep it that way.

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2002 : 22:07:57

The pleasure was mine, Tray. I really had a great time. It was a perfect day for sailing. Next time we'll have to head out Cumberland Sound for the wide blue yonder!

I thought I was finished fixing up Chick-a-pea, but now that I've seen that Dutchman system... well you know the saying about a hole in the water? <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Safe voyages,
Ben, FL s/v Chick-a-pea C250wk

Edited by - on

Steve Raffel
Captain

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262 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2002 : 11:38:19

We installed a Dutchman on our 250 WK and like it very much.

Steve Raffel
C 250 WK #408

Edited by - on

Tray
Navigator

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Namibia
224 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2002 : 17:30:58

Just got back from the marina. I couldn't wait 'til this weekend to check the bilge, and I found ballast water in the bilge under the aft berth. I picked up some 3M 5200 and a stainless washer from the hardware store on the way home. Looks like another project this weekend.

You would think that Catalina would know better than to install the valve-rod off-center.

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"

Edited by - on

jkey6
1st Mate

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71 Posts

Response Posted - 03/14/2002 : 20:52:48

2 quick comments to pass along.

1st, after leaving our Yr. 2000 WK in the water now for 2 years we have never had even 1 drop of leakage. We also bought the canvas package but lost the hatch cover in a windstorm (it was not installed at the time; be careful here, it sinks fast).

2nd, I noticed that hull 554 discussed a factory problem with a rod installed off center related to the water ballast... If you have not already, you should definetly call Catalina or your dealer and ask for warranty service.

Our C250WK had a couple of miscellaneous problems pop up and I am glad to say that I was very PLEASED with Catalina's warranty service. They took a while to get their 'traveling' rep to our marina but when he came he took care of all the small problems very professionally and Catalina seemed happy to provide the service.

I suggest you contact your dealer or Catalina and ask for warranty service. On the east coast, Catalina uses a contracted husband/ wife combo who travel marinas in an RV and provide warranty coverage.

Excellent service here from Catalina. One of the reasons I chose Catalina to begin with and they exceeded my expectations when I encountered our problems.

Hats off to Catalina for standing behind their boats!

JKEY, "All Keyed Up"

Edited by - on

MarkTM
Navigator

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USA
178 Posts

Response Posted - 03/14/2002 : 21:17:26

Jamie, I called Catalina about the off-center valve rod three years ago. My hull is #384 and I can guarantee that this has been an ongoing problem since well before my hull was built. I'm surprised they haven't made a change to fix this in newer hulls. My guess is that they will tell owners of new water-ballasted boats what they told me . . . attach a washer with 3M 5200. I don't think you have to wait for warranty service on this one. Total cost . . . almost nothing in terms of dollars and about 5 minutes of your time.

Mark Melchior
C250wb "Lorelei" #384
[url="http://www.texassailor.com/"]<img src="http://www.texassailor.com/texas.gif " border=0>[/url]
(click flag to visit Central Texas Sailor)

Edited by - marktm on 03/14/2002 21:19:45

Edited by - on

Tray
Navigator

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Namibia
224 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2002 : 06:55:23

I contacted my dealer about the water ballast problem, and they are going to submit a warranty job on it. I emailed them pictures of the off-center valve rod. They told me not to make any permanent repairs, but to attempt to seal the area with silicon that can be peeled off later.

I have no complaints about my dealer. In fact, I feel that my dealer has definitely gone the "extra mile" in helping me with my new boat. However, Catalina has been very slow to respond to any of my questions, if they respond at all. Apparently, my dealer has the secret handshake when it comes to getting service from Catalina.

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"

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aciernor
Deckhand

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USA
4 Posts

Response Posted - 03/18/2002 : 13:16:33

My new (to me) 250 wk (boat is in water, not on trailer) leaks in every heavy rain from the hatch cover, even with the canvas cover snapped in place and the top slid all the way forward. gets the mattress wet every time. anyone come up with a solution for this?

ron

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MarkTM
Navigator

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USA
178 Posts

Response Posted - 03/18/2002 : 16:15:02

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
even with the canvas cover snapped in place and the top slid all the way forward. gets the mattress wet every time. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Ron,

You mean "top slid all the way toward the stern". Right?

Mark Melchior
C250wb "Lorelei" #384
[url="http://www.texassailor.com/"]<img src="http://www.texassailor.com/texas.gif " border=0>[/url]
(click flag to visit Central Texas Sailor)

Edited by - on

aciernor
Deckhand

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USA
4 Posts

Response Posted - 03/19/2002 : 08:01:19

you got me--top slid all the way to stern. correct.

ron

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2002 : 09:27:37

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I went to check on the boat today after launching it Saturday. When I opened the companion way hatch I found water on the deck of the cabin. There was about 2 inches of water pooled under the mattress of the aft berth.<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle> I tasted it and it wasn’t salty. We had a lot of rain Sunday and somehow it got into the cabin. I can’t tell for sure were it came from. There was also a little water in the head that leaked from the opening port, but it doesn’t appear to be the culprit. The deck of the head was relatively dry compared to the deck of the cabin and aft berth. The V-berth is dry so I know it didn’t come from the FWD hatch. I'm afraid the companion way hatch might be to blame.

It had been on the trailer since December. It had a small leak from the forward hatch, but after I added more weather stripping, it stayed dry the whole time.

Where could it be coming from and why didn't it leak on the trailer? Any ideas?

Thanks,

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"
<img src="http://personalpages.tds.net/~trahan/img4.jpg" border=0>
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote> i can tell you where i think the water is comming from. we purchased a new c250 three summers ago. the very first night we slept onboard. we had a lot of rain that night. we work up to wet feet and a puddle on the floor. we could see that the water was running in where the sliding hatch meets the door. we called the dealer and he contacted catalina for us who told us that the overhang on the sliding hatch did not overhang enough to let the water channel outside the door. we now use the canvas cover over the hatch and the problem was solved. try it. it works.. good luck

Edited by - on

acierno
1st Mate

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USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2002 : 13:29:44

thanks. i had the cover on, but i think it has lost its water resistance. will re-treat and see if that solves the problem

ron

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mmodine
1st Mate

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26 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2002 : 10:18:19

Check out the screws attaching the traveler. My first project on our new boat was to re-bed them because they were leaking. The dealer did send me new screws.

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acierno
1st Mate

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USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 04/05/2002 : 08:37:12

good point--i will check that out

ron

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