CD36 rainwater in engine sump

[SSgtPitt]

Driving me nuts.
I have a 1982 CD36. I come out every 6-8 weeks to work on her and take her out. Everytime i get here i have to pump out about 12gals of fresh water under the engine.
I've run a water hose all over the cockpit but can't find the intrusion point. My air intakes are covered so I don't think it's them. Has anyone else had this issue and what did you do to correct it?

[Bill Goldsmith]

If it's fresh water it HAS to be either rain water or tank water. Have you checked your water tank for leaks?

I have had the same issue on my 32. The prior owner did, too, and he drilled a hole in the pan to let the water drain into the bilge. It was a bad idea because it actually drained into the molded-in holding tank!! I glassed it over, and it's back to filling up with water under the engine.

I always assumed it was the aft air cowls, and it did lessen a bit when I covered them, but has not eliminated the issue. Next is to caulk the wooden fiddles under the cockpit locker hatches. Also thinking about rebedding my pumpout fitting which is on the cockpit sole, and maybe next winter removing and rebedding the steering pedestal. Cockpit scupper drains may also drip.

Next time it rains hard I'm thinking about spending some quality time contorted in my cockpit locker looking for the sources.

[John Danicic]

If I fill the aft water tank, the over fill drains into the engine sump. Wave actions continue to splash water down the overfill.

But 12 gallons is a lot of water.

If it not fresh water, it could be the stuffing box on the shaft.

As far as rain water, leaky cockpit drains maybe? Leaking cockpit hatch covers? The aft air intakes?

I wonder if you could spread some talcum powder on the underside of the cockpit just aft of the engine pan and come back and see if any has been washed away. You could maybe track down the direction it is coming from. That would be a start. It may take a couple of tries. Leaks can be insidious.

[SSgtPitt]

Talcum powder!! Great idea.
That area really needs some cleanup work, but it's hard to get to, uncomfortable and so much nicer to play on deck.

[tartansailor]

Try caulking between the deck and rub rail, forward - aft; Stbd - port.
Hope this helps.
Dick

[Frenchy]

One other possibility, though remote, is that the drains from the bridgedeck are leaking. They
could pour water into the boat if the hoses leak or clamps fail.- In any case, good luck- Jean