Source of Water Under Port Seat and Starboard Cabinet in Ven

When we cut out an inspection hole in the forward cabin sole (between the forward berths), we found the area full of water (the space is 3 and 1/2" deep and the water was to the bottom edge of the hole). We vacuumed out 16 gallons of water trapped between the bow and back of the cabin against the bulkhead where the door exits. On our 23' Venture the bulkhead extends to the hull bottom which is different than Matt's which is open to the stern.

When underway, the trapped water pushes against the bulkhead creating hydraulic pressure which forced a small crack in the joint of the cabin floor about 2" in before the door exit. The water accumulates on the cabin floor at the door and also leaks into both sides under the stove/heater and under the rear seat by the door. The source of this water was from the chain locker. I assumed when I drained the water out at the stern through the two inspection holes that all the water from the bow to the stern was removed, and when I cut a second inspection hole in the cabin sole next to the door, I discovered that the bulkhead sealed the area under the cabin sole from the area under the cockpit. Further, when I cut an inspection hole in the cockpit area near the door to provide air circulation, I discovered foam had been injected through the cabin bulkhead into the area under the aft deck. The bottom of this foam was soaked and mushy. The area of the foam was about a circle of 16" in D. on both sides of the under the aft deck area next to each door corner. This foam is worthless as flotation due to the small amount, but worse is the fact that it soaks up and holds water like a very wet and soggy sponge.

At any rate, the until now mysterious source of the water under the cabinet and under the seat has been solved. The chain locker has been thoroughly sealed. We put about 1/2" of epoxy in the bottom to bring it slightly above the drain hole which we enlarged to 1/2". I've taken pictures which I will post in the next few days showing the work involved and pictures of the wet foam. What we now have are two water tight compartments (a double hull): one under the cabin sole and one under the aft deck. One wants to ensure the inspection plates and covers are well secured. If you ripped a hole in the bottom, these spaces would fill with water and put pressure on the plates which, if not well secured would blow out letting the water into the boat proper. Hope this helps. By the way, we found a different cause of the fuel starvation for our boat which I will post in the forum for fuel problems, etc.

Tim and Dave Kinghorn
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Posted to facilitate this discussion. I would never consider that a "double hull" effect is present in a CC, C dory or Venture boat. The bottoms are thick and corred--very difficult to put a hole in one. If you do, even with a cockpit and cabin floor, that boat is going to fill with water, since these floors are only for standing on--and open to sides and often the ends.

Agree that I am not a fan of "foam" in hulls. My Caracal has foam in the hulls--and some how water got in, so I had to cut access pannels, and attempt to dry it out, as well as remove foam so I could pump out all of the water under the foam.
 
Hi Bob,

Sorry, I meant to post a reply to you, but I entered it as a new post by mistake under double hull.

I once did something similar when I sent an Email to everyone instead of just the person I intended it for. Oh well, older but not wiser.

Tim and Dave Kinghorn
 
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