CD25 bilge filling over winter

Discussions about Cape Dory, Intrepid and Robinhood sailboats and how we use them. Got questions? Have answers? Provide them here.

Moderator: Jim Walsh

Post Reply
Tom Foley

CD25 bilge filling over winter

Post by Tom Foley »

Each spring I open the bilge to find it almost filled. She is covered and out of water for the winter. I don't see any leaks. Any suggestions?



alewifehouse@mainecoast.net
Ed Haley

Re: CD25 bilge filling over winter

Post by Ed Haley »

I'll bet condensation is the culprit here. Moist warm air enters under the tarp and condenses on the cooler places underneath. Then the condensate drips and flows into the bilge. Over long periods of time, it amounts to a lot of water.

I used to store my daysailer covered in the garage during the winter. However, every so often during the fall and spring I used to have to pump out the bilge after gallons of water got in the bilge. It sure wasn't from rain.

Hope this helps.

Ed Haley
s/v Mokita
CD330 #1
Kingston, ONT



eghaleyNOSPAM@twcny.rr.com
Capt JT

Re: CD25 bilge filling over winter

Post by Capt JT »

Tom,

I also get my bilge filled during winter storage while wrapped loosly and a felt mixture of condensation and topside heavy rains/melting snow creep in from overflow in the seat locker channels could cause it. During the season I notice slight water buildup in the bilge after heavy rains otherwise she's bone dry most of the season. Guess as long as it does not leak out it won't leak in! If you investigate this further let me know what you find out. (Nice B&B.. will keep it in mind for future trips !)

Capt JT
s/v Happy Daze CD 25
New Haven, CT

Fair wind

Tom Foley wrote: Each spring I open the bilge to find it almost filled. She is covered and out of water for the winter. I don't see any leaks. Any suggestions?


Laton@ynhh.com
Dennis Truett

Re: CD25 bilge filling over winter

Post by Dennis Truett »

Tom Foley wrote: Each spring I open the bilge to find it almost filled. She is covered and out of water for the winter. I don't see any leaks. Any suggestions?
Each fall I pump out my bilge and then put 2 gals of winterized windshield washer fluid in it. (Cheap) As water does accumulate it mixes with the washer fluid to prevent it from freezing.

I do agree that condensation plays a part in this.

Dennis Truett
CD26D
Tom Foley

Re: CD25 bilge filling over winter

Post by Tom Foley »

Thanks for all your comments. It sounds like condensation is the culprit. I didn't think it could cause that much water. I do put potable antifreeze in the bilge to prevent freezing.



alewifehouse@mainecoast.net
Dave D

Re: CD25 bilge filling over winter

Post by Dave D »

My CD25 has no more water in it in the spring then in the fall. The first year I had her she leaked on the top side around some deck fittings. After resealing them she has no more leaks. I would look around for any water staining on the interior. If it goes unfix it could make some soft spots in your deck and really cause some costly repairs. So, I would start checking any low spots where you have any fitting going throught the deck where water might settle. Start by resealing them one at a time until you find the culprit.

Dave D.
25 CD R&R
Gloucester, MA
Tom Foley wrote: Each spring I open the bilge to find it almost filled. She is covered and out of water for the winter. I don't see any leaks. Any suggestions?


ddsailor25@ureach.com
Post Reply