Water leaking in during rain storms...

[SBH2OMan]

Hey guys, after all the rain we've had for the last couple of weeks, it looks like water is getting inside the cabin and I'm checking to see if there are some common problem areas I should check first.

The water seems to be coming in on the starboard side and running down along the bulkhead between the helm and berth. The teak trim along the bottom is completely soaked and most of the water seems to be ending up in the berth under the cushion and running along this strip of teak trim underneath the wiring cabinet.

There is also a small amount of water ending up on the deck just under the wheel

The amount of water is not huge considering the deluge we've had, but it is annoying to know I have a leaky boat!

Btw, the porthole windows aren't leaking and I checked the seam at the rub rail and the water doesnt seem to be coming from there...

 

[luckydog]

I am suprised that nobody has replied to your post. I recently bought a 2004 Parker Pilot house. I my first trip out in some snotty weather I noticed that my boat was leaking at the hull joint behind the rub rail. I have not addressed the problem yet, but that is something you might want to check. good luck!

 

[Striperswiper]

I had that same joint leak on my 1999 2520.
I just pulled the boat and put new caulk in the joint..problem solved

 

[SBH2OMan]

By "pulled the boat" I assume you mean you removed it from the water?

When you say you caulked it, do you mean from the inside ornate outside? Can you provide some details? It looks like the PO put some RTV (silicone goop) on the underside of the rub rail around the outside, but it looks pretty ineffective...

Thanks,

 

[Hannibal]

I am curious how to resolve the rub rail leaking issue. I've encountered the same problem in a particular size swell. If I hit the wave just right, it appears that the water slides up the bow of the boat and forces itself into a gap under the rub rail and into the cuddy of my 2110. Seems odd to me.

 

[Bryan 2530]

I have the same problem, to do it right you need to pull the rubrail, that is on my list for this spring.

 

[TunaJoe]

I too had ths problem.

Brand new boat and when it's rough, water leaks in on the starboard side at the rubrail.

When I called Parker, the fix is to remove the black rubber/plastic rubrail and then re-caulk the "shoebox" joint (where the top of the boat fits over the hull) and the screw holes that are hidden by the rubrail.

 

[Megabyte]

Quite common really.

After awhile, the calked joint can separate a bit leaving a gap where water can enter.
Some people have successfully dealt with this from the inside, but as Bryan said, the best way is to remove the rub rail and attack it from the outside.

Hull flex, age, and dockside bumps can all lead to a gap that allows water in.
The difficult part can be in locating the source of the leak because water can travel quite some distance from the actual leak before it exits.
Fortunately, it's a fairly simple fix.

 

[SBH2OMan]

So I'm assuming that the procedure is something like:

1. Remove black rub rail - it appears that there is a center strip that is pulled out, then screws are behind it, spaced about every 3 inches?

2. Squirt silicone caulk into the joint between the hull halves

3. Re-install the screws

4. Fit the center black strip - is it glued?

Looking at mine, it is obvious that someone went around the entire underside of the rub rail and tried to seal it without removing the rub rail.

 

[Megabyte]

I've not had to do it (yet), but I don't think you need to remove the screws.
Remove the rub rail and clean out any caulk you see, then re-apply.

FWIW - The factory might have some tips to help you make the job go smoother. :wink:

 

[TunaJoe]

I can't swear to it, but I believe Eric @ Parker said to remove each screw and bed it in silicone sealer in addition to sealing the cap.

I'm turning 50 in a month so the memory is starting to go!

 

[Megabyte]

If Eric said it, then it is so!