LEAKING COWL VENTS

[Phil Yates]

The ECLIPSE  is a 86 model, hull #22 , I have the 2 cowl vents leaking for some time now and  have taken them off, with no results in fixing the problem.  This past trip, last week on the way home I got into one heckava storm and the vents just pored water in, even with the  vents turned away from the wind.I also have  trouble with the  step mast leaking inside...any help with be appriciated before I take them off again this week...I have checked the FAQ.& SEARCH section with no avail. Thanks
Phil
ECLIPSE
Bagdad,Fl.

[Jon Schneider]

What do you mean that you "have taken them off with no results in fixing the problem"?  Did you remove them, along with the mushroom caps, plug them up, and they still leak?  Or did you just remove them and put them back together the same way and hope that would fix them?  Why don't you do the same again, but take pictures, so we can help you diagnose the problem.  Without any other evidence, I would guess that the mushroom caps inside the vents are stuck in the open position. 

[Stu Jackson]

Phil

don't know if you've seen this: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=3217.0   It has pictures and also refers to the Aug 2005 article I wrote for Tech Notes.  I agree with Jon, need some more specifics.  Might also want to do a search on the word dorade.

[Ron Hill]

Phil : If water is coming in with the cowls turned aft, it sound as though you may need to rebuild your Dorade vents
What I'd do is contact Vetus (410)712-0740 and ask them for the drawing for their 4 " dorade vents.  You might also pose your question to them and Catalina (who installed those vents)!!
A few thoughts.   

[Phil Yates]

Thanks Stu & Ron,  for the info , this will give me something to work with..I thought I knew every inch of the  ECLIPSE, after 12 yrs. and  5 hurricane's,  thanks again.

[Ron Hill]

Phil : I think your new stainless vents look GREAT!!  Think I'll do the same, as I'm getting tired of paying Vetus $$ for 4" vents that only last about 5 years. 
Strongly think about writing up a Mainsheet Article w/pictures for Mike.