RC James wrote:![Embarassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
I have always been a little reticent to post this same question. Thanks, SeaHunt, for broaching the subject.
RC: Thank you for your kind words. As the board knows, I go where others fear to tread.
I spent a few hours today researching the issue of mystery water in the engine sump area. Turns out there are several areas for water to allow gravity to take its natural course.
Bly, I agree with you that a possible source may be the air vent cowlings. However, in carefully examining mine, they seem pretty snug and have a tight fit. Each vent has a white hose with a wire spring inside. Not sure what the white material is but it is not very durable. Both of these hoses lead all the way forward and, if water were in them I think they would drip/empty into the bilge, not the engine sump. Today, the bilge was almost bone dry again despite a few days of torrential rains. Engine sump again had about 3 1/2 quarts of fresh water.
I did turn both vent cowlings so they are facing aft. I will try to remember to do this after each day sailing. These days, memory is not my strong suit.
I also climbed into the port side cockpit locker. Too bad someone didn't have a videocam of me trying to gracefully squeeze my fat Italian body into (and fortunately out of) the locker. There is a small (perhaps 1" diam) hole in the forward corner of this locker at the bottom of the locker "wall". If you poured water into the locker it would drain through this hole and then, because of the configuration of the hull, engine sump, etc. it would conveniently gravity drain right into the engine sump. The only way water can get in and go thru this hole is by going "up and over" the teak sides (~3") of the locker cover. This does not seem feasible but possible I guess. If the cowlings do not prove to be the cause I will try OJ's suggestion of colored water and pouring it over the closed cockpit locker cover to see if I can make it go into the locker, thru the hole and into the sump.
Not sure if this hole in the locker wall is "factory" or if a PO drilled it. I do seem to recall that one time I went aboard shortly after a heavy rain and a couple of rags in the locker were damp. I did not pay much attention at the time. Dummy me.
Another possibility is the tiller base. I had this issue with S/V Tadpole. I solved it by sealing the teak base with BoatLife. Today I could not see exactly where water would gain access to the sump if coming thru the tiller base. I will climb into the locker the next time and specifically inspect this area. I may try OJ's suggestion again and pour colored water around the tiller base to see if it seeps into the sump.
Boats are fun
![Exclamation :!:](./images/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif)