Water leak in cabin issue

[dcartie]

Hey guys, ran into a problem and was hoping for some tips. We were away for 2 weeks and when we got back to the boat found some black mold spots on the port side above the aft bed headboard. I pulled the panel off on the ceiling and saw the water/mold spot under the port side vent. So I'm guessing water got in through the vent (almost sounds impossible unless raining upside down) or through the rub rail. It's also wierd cause I always run 2 fans in the cabin when not there to dry any of those problems. Any tips? I'm going to try and clean with oxyclean or something (unlikely to work), has anyone replaced that fuzzy wall coverings on bayliners? I'm guessing it's glued so I don't know the best way to get off or find a replacement (joann fabrics). Thanks for the help!!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

Pictures always help . . . post some when you can.

Headliner material is often glued to a backing board and then fastened, or simply glued directly onto the compartment ceiling. Headliner material can be found online, if you need to replace it.

Here is a look at the headliner material on my previous boat, just as an example (foam backed cloth, glued to the fiberglass)

It would be good to find the source of the leak before you put things back together.

 

[dcartie]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

Trying to figure our how to post pics...lol!

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

Quite likely the rub rail leaking.

 

[dcartie]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue



lets see if this works

 

[dcartie]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

ok they are all upside down, but you get the idea....apple to PC never works!!

the headboard in the middle pic is about the level of the rub rail. the damage is above that so it continues to make me wonder as to the source of the water intrusion. the hatch/panel that I removed at the top of the aft cabin was right under the vent

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

Once you have the panel off, you will be able to find the water source easier (working from the inside out as opposed to the outside in). Once you take them out, can they be cleaned with a mildew stain remover, then wash it out real well to remove the milder stain remover?

I'd hate to see you have to replace something that can be cleaned.

My research for mildew/mold stain remover on vinyl found that a good product (and I've used it and it worked very well) is Tilex Mold and Mildew. And, you can buy it most anywhere. Even grocery stores may have it.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

Looks like backing board mounted pieces . . . probably best if you take them off to see the source of the leak.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

Looks like backing board mounted pieces . . . probably best if you take them off to see the source of the leak.

Right, as water can travel a long way before it finds it's way in.

 

[dcartie]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

I plan in using armor mold and mildew as someone recommended. And I took the panel off to track the path of the water (of course it was dry the days before). That's how I saw the water damage/mold was well above the rubrail. Good tip on water traveling a long ways....prob going to have to wait till spring and hit the whole port side with a hose and watch from the inside to see what the deal is. Today calls for rain so maybe some luck will be in my side.

Anyone ever put an actual dehumidifier in their boats during the season to protect against water? This made me think about using my extra dehumidifier and draining into the shower drain (of course only after solving this issue)

Thanks for the tips! Gotta love the problems!!

 

[dcartie]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

Update, that armor product worked wonders and solved the spots without scrubbing! Time to button her up and cross fingers the problem doesn't reoccur. It's been raining for 2 days and no new water.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

What are you using as a dehumidifier? I'm just curious. I thought I'd read somewhere that you have to be careful that wood doesn't get too dry or it can get brittle or crack or something. (don't quote me on that)

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

Long ago when I lived up north and winterized~~~ I put a 5 gallon bucket of charcoal in the cabin and left all doors open,,, had full canvas and was stored under roof so she did not take on water. Shut her down around Thanksgiving and had her running when the ice was thin in the bay.

 

[dcartie]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

I have a dehumidifier that u can preset the humidity level and it'll
Shutoff when it reaches that level.
It's meant for home but will fit on the floor of my head no prob when I'll be away for extended periods.

And does charcoal help absorb humidity? I know it's great for odors. What and where did u get it?

 

[magster65]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

Right, as water can travel a long way before it finds it's way in.

From experience... I'll second that!
My '03 Sea Ray 240 DA... center front window had a small, unnoticeable leak that dribbled all the way along the window. Instead of going out the window drain on the side, it crossed to the inside and on to the shifter, onto the side compartment, onto the mid-cabin roof and in through a corner where the wiring for the light came in. The result was a mid cabin full of water which ended up being a re-upholstery job because of the mold. One dab of sealer cured it. There's 'boats' for ya'!

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Water leak in cabin issue

From experience... I'll second that!
My '03 Sea Ray 240 DA... center front window had a small, unnoticeable leak that dribbled all the way along the window. Instead of going out the window drain on the side, it crossed to the inside and on to the shifter, onto the side compartment, onto the mid-cabin roof and in through a corner where the wiring for the light came in. The result was a mid cabin full of water which ended up being a re-upholstery job because of the mold. One dab of sealer cured it. There's 'boats' for ya'!

That one had to be a bear to find. Thankfully never had to find one on my boats but guys know I've searched them on houses. Long ago I learned water can flow Uphill as it follows the path of least resistance under pressure. Glad you found that one!