Rain Water Leaks Into the Bilge

[Sailorette C]

Whenever it rains, especially this past October when it rained volumes, rain water fills the bilge. I have not been on board when it's raining, so I have not been able to observe where the leaks are. Any Sabre owners out there who can help?Sailorette C

[Terry Tupper]

Mystic, This is likely coming down the mast, and through the boot. Pull the boot and use silicone is the easiest and cheapest fix.Did you taste it, no joke - how it is normally proven to be fresh water. If it is salt, I'm assuming you are in salt water, it's a major problem.Terry

[RollynT]

Another favorite site is via the Edson base. Consider putting a few drops of food coloring below the Edson base and a different color in the mast at the electrical connection. And perhaps a different color in the Head & flush into the holding tank. Dry out your bilge & look for color after the next rain.Best wishes,Rollyn Trueblood

[RichH]

With duct tape, seal all hatches, cockpit lockers, ventilators, dorades, companionways, etc. etc., then take a shop-vac and run in 'reverse mode' to slightly pressurize the boats interior. Then mix up simple dishwashing detergent and water and paint the mix over 'all possible' leak sites: window/portlight frames, stancheon bases, any deck or cabin top mounted hardware, mast step if deck mounted, etc. etc. etc. Where the soap bubbles form ... thats a leak. No need to re-bed everything in sight, just where the soap bubbles are forming. ;-)

[Rob19574]

How old is the boat we are discussing here? With my '78 Catalina 30 - I had rain leaks too....I assumed EVERYTHING on the deck leaked and one-by-one rebed and re-sealed all above deck fittings. Butly tape works very well and last a long time. I am almost there in regards to a 100% dry bilge after several days of heavy rain!Good luck - Rob