98 250 Dancer w/ aftcabin leak of unknown origin

[Emcguinness]

I have a 98 250 Dancer that has water accumulate in the back port side of the aftcabin when it rains. I have tried to source the origin of this but am coming up empty. Does anyone know of any known problems with this or similar models that could get me headed in the right direction. I think water may be coming from behind the rear locker somewhere because this part of the carpet is always damp and wet. Thanks Ed

 

[Begester]

Re: 98 250 Dancer w/ aftcabin leak of unknown origin

I have this same problem with my 1989 220DA. After posting this same question, the response I got was that it was from storing the boat...although I'm not totally convinced. I called the guy I bought it from and he said he had this problem several years ago from storing it. I am going to try and get to the bottom of it this weekend and will post anything I find.

Good Luck.

 

[magster65]

Re: 98 250 Dancer w/ aftcabin leak of unknown origin

My '03 240 SD did the same thing. It ended up being the lower front window seal. The water came in near the front and migrated around then to the throttle control area where it dribbled down the side. The water made it to the inside through the throttle control and 'glove box'. I guess from there it dripped on the mid-cabin ceiling and in.
I wasn't sure what was the best way to go about fixing that so I got the controls and 'glove box' sealed up so then the water just sat on the deck by the helm instead. Sea Ray knew of this problem and finally addressed it with the new design in '05 (and newer). Now if any water gets inside it makes it's way around to the dip in the side galss and dribbles outside through a little drain hole. Since then I've heard there's a product out for this exact problem where you can drip it in the source of the leak, capillary reaction pulls it in the crack and then it sets up like rubber.
Cheers.

 

[Emcguinness]

Re: 98 250 Dancer w/ aftcabin leak of unknown origin

Thanks. Sounds like I will have my work cut out sourcing this.

 

[alaska_av8r]

Re: 98 250 Dancer w/ aftcabin leak of unknown origin

I am having issues similar with an old Cruisers that has the side window, I read on a marine surveyors website that pretty much all boats with any type of side window will eventually develop leaks due to the flexing of the hull. His recommendation was to remove the window and reseal with silicone, by placing a nice formed bead around the hole and let it dry. When dry install window and the silicone would form a custom made gasket. He also advised to not tighten the screw to the point the window frame contacted the hull, but leave some space and as time went on, or leaks started again, just tighten a bit more. I haven't tried this yet but may be on my way.

 

[Emcguinness]

Re: 98 250 Dancer w/ aftcabin leak of unknown origin

Found it. Turns out it is the windows. Leaks from behind the vinyl and then collectws in the aft cabin. I am taking off the windows and repairing/replacing. Having a hell of a time getting the windows off.