What might be causing water seepage above the waterline in my aft-most starboard side cockpit seat locker?

Question

I have a 1967 Islander 33 sailboat and in the aft-most starboard side cockpit seat locker there seems to be some water seepage - i'm not sure what to make of it since it's above the waterline. The hatch does leak, but the seepage originates above that too. I see no thru-hull to pin the blame on. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Is the seepage consistent or just when you take her out? If its the latter I presume its spray seeping through the hatch cover.

If not, there may be an underlying issue which is more severe, ie. where the waters coming from rather than how it's getting in. Check to see if the waters discoloured and whether its salt or fresh water. If you can gain access to the underneath of the locker (though I presume you've tried) then you can get a good indication of where the waters coming from.

A photo of the lockers location on the boat would be a great help. You're boat is 40 years old and fibreglass will become quite pourous a lot sooner than that so seepage can only be expected but not in a disproportionate manner such as the one you've described.

Answer 2

Lots of reasons.....think holes....

most obvious is the hinge attachment points...another is winch and cleat bases....stanchion bases or stantion if you prefer...deck cracks...and last but not least your deck/hull seal at the toe-rail and rubber cover if so equipped.

Another problem which is more frustrating is water migrating through balsa core many feet from one leak topsides to a crack belowdeck in a totally different area.

Essetially something needs to be removed and rebedded or resealed.  A good attack is to dry it out...crawl in with a light and have someone put the hose to your cockpit and surrounding area..

Some dilligence and you'll get it, good luck.

Answer 3

Water seepage does not always occur at the point of accumulation...check above and forward/backwards of the area for any seams or cracks leaking that may be flowing back to the locker area.