Unexplained rain water on new deck boat

[boatingbabe1]

We bought a 2020 Starcraft deck boat (191SVX) in August of 2020. The boat is stored in a wet slip at a marina. It is not on a lift. We keep it covered. After a rain, water appears in the ski locker, which is located close to the bow, which is also connected via a small opening to the well in the aft well (where the bilge is located). The amount of water varies depending on how much rain has fallen. When this is noticed and we step on the back of the boat, the bilge kicks in and a lot of the water is emptied. However, not all and we have to sponge the rest out. We have desperately tried to understand how and the water is coming in. Everything we have tried (covering the battery compartment in rear, caulking around the ski pole, cutting up a large, heavy-duty lawn bag and duct taping it around the back compartment near the motor for rain water to flow into the lake, etc. Nothing seems to work. We would like to correct the issue. When this first occurred, we contacted the dealer but they were not helpful, stating "all boats take on some water". This was not considered a structural or mechanical issue so we were ignored. After a few weeks, we contacted the manufacturer. They referred us to the dealer. Argh!!! We are stumped. Any advice or suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

 

[alldodge]

With cover on the boat have someone under the cover with flash light. Have another spray the cover like rain and see if it can be found.

 

[southkogs]

Also, look at the boat's weight distribution. There maybe something you can move around and get the aft to sit a little lower. The attitude of the hull at rest should move the water to the bilge (typically).

Welcome aboard.

 

[briangcc]

Just because its covered doesn't mean its water tight.

IF your cover has cut outs around mounting points for a convertible top/bimini, you may be getting water in that way.

IF you have separate bow and cockpit covers, you may be getting water in around a walkthrough windshield - all my boats have had this issue.

IF this is manufacturer installed, the snaps may leave a bit of a gap in the cover - there is a noticeable difference between the bow & cockpit cover that was factory installed by Four Winns vs the one the marina installed for me on my Chap - the Chap is a much tighter/snugger fit.

I agree....have someone under the boat cover with a flashlight (and probably rain gear) while someone outside hoses down the boat cover. Bet you find a few leaks.


**Also, your fabric does need to be waterproofed. Being new, it should have been applied at the factory BUT there's always a chance that step was missed.

 

[boatingbabe1]

With cover on the boat have someone under the cover with flash light. Have another spray the cover like rain and see if it can be found.

Good idea. Thank you!

 

[boatingbabe1]

Just because its covered doesn't mean its water tight.

IF your cover has cut outs around mounting points for a convertible top/bimini, you may be getting water in that way.

IF you have separate bow and cockpit covers, you may be getting water in around a walkthrough windshield - all my boats have had this issue.

IF this is manufacturer installed, the snaps may leave a bit of a gap in the cover - there is a noticeable difference between the bow & cockpit cover that was factory installed by Four Winns vs the one the marina installed for me on my Chap - the Chap is a much tighter/snugger fit.

I agree....have someone under the boat cover with a flashlight (and probably rain gear) while someone outside hoses down the boat cover. Bet you find a few leaks.


**Also, your fabric does need to be waterproofed. Being new, it should have been applied at the factory BUT there's always a chance that step was missed.

The boat cover was custom-made provided by the manufacturer with the purchase. There is just one cover for the entire boat with tight-fitting snaps and zipped openings for the cleats. It's hard to imagine that this amount of rain is coming through the cleated zipped openings. Thank you. We will try the suggestion of hosing down the cover with someone underneath. One note, when it rains and there is water in the well, the rest of the interior of the boat is completely dry. There is no sign of water on the seats, floor, etc.

 

[JimS123]

I take it that you don't have a windshield. Thus, there must be some kind of pole or poles to hold the cover up.

Custom made or not, the typical sunbrella or sharkskin covers are not water proof. If water pools anywhere, it will leak thru like a seive.

I don't believe the cleats are the problem because they are usually located on the gunnel, so even if wet the water would run outside. Your cover is simply not high enough to let the water drain off.

I looked online at an example of the boat with a factory cover. No question in my mind that would leak. You need much taller poles.

 

[boatingbabe1]

I take it that you don't have a windshield. Thus, there must be some kind of pole or poles to hold the cover up.

Custom made or not, the typical sunbrella or sharkskin covers are not water proof. If water pools anywhere, it will leak thru like a seive.

I don't believe the cleats are the problem because they are usually located on the gunnel, so even if wet the water would run outside. Your cover is simply not high enough to let the water drain off.

I looked online at an example of the boat with a factory cover. No question in my mind that would leak. You need much taller poles.

Hmm....interesting. I guess when we perform the "hosing" experiment that will confirm whether water is coming through. I think I'll opt to be the hoser.

 

[roffey]

I can only speak for my boat, the cover is not water proof. It has to breathe or you will get mold. Question is how much water is to much, lol.

 

[JimS123]

Hmm....interesting. I guess when we perform the "hosing" experiment that will confirm whether water is coming through. I think I'll opt to be the hoser.

Squirt up in the air so the water falls like rain. If you hit it straight on from the hose it'll go thru in short order.

 

[roffey]

Hmm....interesting. I guess when we perform the "hosing" experiment that will confirm whether water is coming through. I think I'll opt to be the hoser.

That means you must be Canadian, possibly one of the Mckenzie brothers?

 

[Scott Danforth]

That means you must be Canadian, possibly one of the Mckenzie brothers?

Take off.....ehh

 

[Krazeehorse]

Any chance it's condensation? (since there's no sign of water anywhere else but the well)

 

[Scott Danforth]

Any chance it's condensation? (since there's no sign of water anywhere else but the well)

possibly however unlikely if you are pumping the amount you state you are.

 

[JimS123]

Maybe your drain plug needs tightening, or some better sealant.

 

[BRICH1260]

You might try to re treat your cover with a waterproofing solution such as 3M`s. Also make sure that it has good support poles properly placed not allowing any water to pool.

 

[QBhoy]

Living in Scotland...I feel well qualified to pitch in here. Haha. The Amazon would be jealous of our rain fall.
so over here...I’m not sure I’m aware of any North American boat with an open bow or similar that doesn’t let a little water in from somewhere. Even with a cover. Mine in particular comes from the rain running down the windscreen and in under from cover. Also from exposed cup holder drains just forward of the windscreen. Runs into the ski locker and into rear bilge after.