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Topics - mregan

#1
Main Message Board / Bird removal
July 25, 2022, 05:04:04 AM
We have a new flock of birds that have moved in at my marina.  They seemed to have christened my boat as their party/bathroom boat.  Small birds, maybe finch or small sparrow size. 

Anyone use a plastic owl or hawk to keep the birds off. Was thinking of bungee cording it to the boom.
#2
Main Message Board / New Instrument Help
June 28, 2022, 06:01:37 PM
My MK1 still has the original depth, speed and wind gauges.  Had them repaired a few years ago.  Lately, sometimes they work, sometimes not.  Now my 12yr old Garmin 540 chartplotter seems to be on the way out.  Took a ride by WM and was looking at the chartplotters.  Looked at the Garmin Echomap series (it's what was on display)  Discovered I could also link new instruments to it.  Was thinking of getting the chartplotter for the summer and then in the off season look at a new depth transducer and a wireless wind sensor. 
Just wondering if anyone had any experience with the Garmin units.  Or maybe a different manufacturer.
#3
Main Message Board / High gas prices, who cares!
May 17, 2022, 11:18:46 AM
With gas up as much as 80% over last summer I'm glad we all have sailboats.  I figure if I use my typical 1/2-3/4 of a tank I'll only be paying an extra $22.50 for a summer of enjoyment on the water.  Will be interesting to see how many powerboats are sitting at the docks this summer.
#4
Main Message Board / Engine water intake
June 12, 2021, 12:56:31 PM
Does the engine water intake need to be primed?  When adding antifreeze last fall the engine didn't want to suck in the antifreeze I was pouring in the top of the intake strainer. Posted about it here and someone mentioned the impeller might have broken.
At the boat today. Looked at the impeller, intact. Pulled the intake strainer. Clear. Hose from thru hull to strainer is clean.  Hose from strainer to water pump is clear. Hose from water pump to heat x clear.  Put everything back together. Tutned engibe on. No water coming out of the back of the boat. Pulled water pump apart. Had my daughter start the engine water pump is Turning so that is working. 
Seems like water isn't getting pulled into engine.
Took the hose from the water pump to the heat x off, at the heat x and  turned engine on. Wanted to see if I was getting water up to that point. Figured m aybe issue was after that point. No water came out after running for a minute or two.
#5
I have a used main sail cover from my MK-I.  About 4-5 years old.  In good condition.  It's blue.  About 1 shade lighter than the dark Sunbrella Navy blue. 
#6
Was putting the boat away for the winter this weekend.  Raw water seacock was shut.  Pulled the raw water strainer out, started the engine.  Typically I run right back and start pouring a gallon of antifreeze in.  Usually takes only a minute or 2 then I shut off the engine.   This time I run back to the strainer and the water hasn't gone down.  Wait a minute and it starts to slowly go down.  Add a bit of antifreeze and wait.  Nothing happening so increase the rpm to 1800 or so.  Go back to the strainer.  It would slowly go down, stop then rapidly drop, I'd fill it back up and wait.  Kept doing this over and over.  I think it was about 15 min before it took the whole gallon.  Temp was about 185ish when I turned it off.

Earlier in the season I overheated the engine.  Since then it has been running fine, staying about 160-170 when underway.  Not sure what was going on with it yesterday.
#7
Main Message Board / Just overheated the engine
August 01, 2020, 11:34:30 AM
Keep the engine key on the engine water intake  alive to remember to open it before starting engine.  Had left the valve open but put the key on it. Came down today, removed key and shut the valve not thinking.  Just got out of the harbor and hear noises crime the engine and smoke. Shut it down. Temp gauge was pegged at 250. Lots of steam coming out of the manifold cap.  Didn't see leaks anywhere else.  Anchored now. Engine back down to 140. Manifold very low so filled with water for now.  Assuming I can get back to the dock, about 10 min motor.  What should I look for when I'm back at the dock?
#8
Main Message Board / Outboard gas/oil leak
June 07, 2020, 05:09:27 PM
I have a 3 yr old Taihatsu outboard, 4 stroke.  Tried to start it up on the dighy last week, seems to be leaking oil or gas, there is a sheen on water after trying to start it.  Pulled the cord a few times and noticed the sheen.  Tilted the outboard up out of the water and saw some brownish water leaking out of the drain holes above the prop.  Needs some more gas to start.

Went down today with some new gas.  Filled the tank and 3-4 pulls it started.  Getting a gas/oil sheen on the water again.  Let it run for 5 minutes and seems to be a constant sheen on the water.  Turned off and tilted out of the water.  Water coming out of the drain holes was clean.  Thought maybe the discharge from the week before was from taking it out of storage, putting in car then into cart to the boat.  Guess not.

No visible leaks from above the waterline so must be leaking below.  Any thoughts.
#9
Main Message Board / Hit and Run
August 13, 2019, 08:42:45 AM
Was sleeping at anchor yesterday morning.  Had just come out of a deep sleep.  Hear a loud bang.  Wake up thinking the v-berth hatch had slammed shut.   It was open, looking out through it I can seen an anchor and mast off our port side. 
Now I'm thinking we dragged and hit another boat or had run aground.  Run into the cockpit, look around.  Still in the same spot we were in when we went to bed.  Look off the port side and there's a 40+ sailboat motoring away from us.  Run up near the bow and look over the lifelines, doesn't look to be any damage.  Look back over to the boat, still motoring away.  Notice a bare boat chartering co. name along the boom.
I couldn't believe the guy didn't motor back over and say sorry or, any damage.  My wife thought maybe he didn't realize he hit us.  I said even if he didn't think he hit us,  wouldn't he think it was odd that just as he came close to hitting us I happen to pop on deck at 5:30am.  And maybe he would stop and say that was close or sorry almost hit you.  Not turn around and motor away.
Plan on calling the charter company today just to give them a heads up.
#10
Main Message Board / Cracked solar panel
December 29, 2017, 06:47:38 AM
Have a flexible 100w solar panel.  Stepped on it by accident, when putting it away in the fall, heard a crack and noticed a 1.5" crack in one of the square solar panel cells.  Will this have an impact on the whole panel or just that particular cell?  My thinking is that cell is kaput but the rest of the panel should operate normally so maybe now its an 85-90w panel?

The boat is on shore power all week.  The panels are really for 2-3 day trips to keep the batteries topped up so we don't have to run the engine.  With the kids sports schedules, we really only get out on multi-day trips 3-4 times a summer so a small decrease in performance shouldn't be an issue.
#11
Main Message Board / Head pumping question
September 08, 2017, 07:26:31 AM
Have a Raritan PH or it may be a PHII.  I have to look more closely next time I'm down.  Mostly use the boat on the weekend.   For the last half of the summer, when we start pumping the head handle, it almost springs back up in your hand.  You can feel resistance as you are trying to pump down.  I'd pump it 15 times or so and it would start working fine again.
Last weekend it was doing it again, after the 15 pumps it was still springing up and wasn't draining the bowl, there was minimal water in the bowl.  I filled the bowl about 3/4 the way with fresh water and it pumped fine.  Almost seemed like there was enough pressure with the water in the bowl to force open the check valve and let it pump normal.  Worked fine for the rest of the weekend.  Seems like when we leave it for the week, maybe the check valve is getting stuck and once it frees itself, it works fine for however long we're on the boat.

Does it sound like a need a re-build kit?
#12
Main Message Board / Replacing oil pressure switch
June 30, 2017, 12:22:19 PM
I think need to replace my oil pressure switch.  Engine buzzer stopped working.  When I put the buzzer to ground it works.  When it's connected back to the oil wire, nothing.  Wire is good, put a new one in 2 years ago but connected to about 6" of the old wire since it's in such a tight spot.  Hard to get to the switch on the engine block.  Was trying to unscrew the wire from the switch but the screw is very rusted and the wire terminal seems to have rusted to it.  When trying to unscrew the screw holding he wire, the wire spins with it.
When I remove the switch do I need to worry about oil spraying out?  Its an M25.
#13
Main Message Board / Engine Panel Alarms
April 30, 2017, 03:41:55 AM
Did the '86 have a low oil pressure alarm and a high engine temp alarm.  I replaced the panel this winter (kept all the gauges)  Marked everything on the back of the panel and what I disconnected on the boat.  Was there today.  Got everything wired up but the alarm.  I realized I only had one alarm and some small circuit board that was wired into the alarm.  Was getting confused how to wire the alarm and the low oil pressure light and engine alarm light (lights never worked on the old panel)  Looked at the wiring diagram I had from the alternator to volt meter change.  Showed 2 alarms buzzers.  Was looking on Catalina direct and they made mention that boats before 1990 didn't have a high temp alarm, only low oil but there is a part you can buy for the engine to add a high temp alarm.  Will check tomorrow to see if PO had installed that part.  If not, I'm assuming I wire the alarm to the low oil pressure.  If that's the case, what would turn on the high engine temp light on the panel?
#14
Main Message Board / Electrical Connection Grease
December 27, 2016, 07:59:40 AM
Replacing some gauges on my engine panel.   Is dilectic silicone grease the right product to use on the nuts/connections.  Can I just slather it on the connections after I get them together.  I'm talking about the spade connectors and screwed connections.   All the butt connections are getting heat shrinked.

On a similar note, what is the best product to used on stainless nuts and bolts up on deck to prevent any corrosion on the threads.  Would the dilectric grease work on those also?
#15
Main Message Board / Cushion button repair
October 10, 2016, 04:44:47 PM
Anyone know how to get the fabric button covers back on the cushion buttons?  A couple have fallen off.  Tried pushing them on but can get about 3/4 on then can't get the rest to snap over the button.
#16
Main Message Board / Mattress choice
September 26, 2016, 08:47:35 AM
Looking for some advice.  Currently sleep in the v-berth.  Use the v-berth cushions then on top we have a 4" foam mattress.  Always feels nice when I first lay down but I always have a sore back in the morning. 

Was at the boat show and saw one vendor with 6"-8" foam mattresses and another vendor with a spring/foam type mattress.  Was also looking at the Frioli system to use with what I currently have.

At home we have a standard spring mattess with a foam topper which I love.  Would like to go that way for the boat but it's the most expensive.  Almost double the 8" foam mattress.

Anyone use the full 8" foam mattress or go with the Frioli system?
#17
Main Message Board / New Engine Panel
September 26, 2016, 08:26:06 AM
Was looking to replace my engine panel.  Just the aluminum plate itself, starting to look pretty warn, would switch out all the gauges/buttons.  I found a co. that can make me a new plate.  I've got an 1986 with the separate ignition, glowplug button, and start button.  Looking at Catalina Direct I noticed they had a replacement panel for sale with a combined ingition/glowplug and separate start button.  Any benefit to switch to the combined ignition/glowplug or should I keep the separate ones I have.
#18
Main Message Board / Winch Adjustment
September 11, 2016, 11:51:56 AM
Is there a way to tighten the jaw on the main winches.  They don't seem to be gripping the sheets as well as before when I'm cranking on the winch handle.  As I'm cranking, if I don't keep some tension on the tailing end they will slip out of the jaw.  Never used to do that.
  They appear to be original so they are 30 yrs. old.  Can't remember the make of them (maybe Maxwell) but I know they are not Lewmar.
#19
Main Message Board / Auto/manual PFD
July 08, 2016, 07:32:22 AM
Do you have to have the CO2 cartridges installed in an auto/man PFD to make them compliant if you were stopped by the Coast Guard?
I usually keep 2 on the boat without the CO2 installed.  We have 2 inflatable paddleboards and a local Harbormaster told me we need to have a lifejacket on or strapped to the board when out paddleboarding.  CG regulations.  We use the 2 without CO2 for the paddleboards so they don't autoinflate if they get wet but could be manually inflated if needed.

Was just wondering if we were stopped by the CG, when sailing, if there is an problem with them only being manual inflation?
#20
Main Message Board / Roller furler issue
July 03, 2016, 12:24:06 PM
Roller furler has gotten harder to roll in over the past couple of years. Each year it seems to get harder to roll up. . Once I get about 1/6 of the jib in it rolls up pretty easy but to get that first 1/6 in is a real bear. Last 3-4 times we were out it was 10-15 knot winds. Turned boat into the wind and pulled with all m might and couldn't get it started. My 14 yr old daughter had to help me. It's a Cruising Design Reefer I.  Seems to unroll fine. Not sure if it's time for new one its original '86. Or maybe need service? 
#21
Main Message Board / Cleaning Stainless
June 28, 2016, 09:10:10 AM
What does everyone use to clean their stainless.  Have some areas that have some light rust spots, other areas I just want to polish the stainless. 
#22
Main Message Board / Macerator pump issue
June 06, 2016, 08:59:00 AM
End of last season I pumped out the tank.  Then added some antifreeze over the winter.  This spring I tried to use the macerator pump to get the antifreeze out.  Didn't seem to work.  I put a new tank in last year and changed the piping up from the old tank.
There is a pickup tube in the tank, installed by Ronco, that exits on the top side corner of the tank.  Hose goes from the tank fitting to a y valve.  One side of the valve goes to the pumpout deck fitting.  Other side goes to the macerator pump.  Would the macerator not have enough oomph to pull through the pickup tube?
#23
Main Message Board / MK I traveller stands
November 03, 2015, 12:51:31 PM
I'm in the process of replacing the original traveller with a new Garhauer.  Had a few cracks in the top of the fiberglass supports so I was filling them with epoxy and figured I'd fill the existing bolt holes also since the new ones might not line up

In one hole I used 4 full syringes of epoxy and still didn't fill it.  The other holes were the same.  Ended up putting enough in the top to seal the openings.

Is the area under the stands hollow?  I figured they would be filled with wood but I guess not.  Either that or there are a ton of voids.
#24
Main Message Board / Traveler replacement
September 21, 2015, 07:39:20 AM
Just ordered a new traveller for my '86.  Was reading through the critical updates regarding the traveller thru bolting and have a couple of questions.

It seems like there is an existing metal plate embedded in the traveller riser or deck which the existing bolts thread into.  Is this correct?  I always assumed the bolts got yanked out because they were just screwed into the wood/fiberglass in the risers.

To correct it looks like I have a couple of options.
Use the same bolt holes, drill through the threads and thru bolt with new long bolts.
Re-install the existing bolts in the same holes then add a third bolt inboard which is thru bolted.



#25
Had my Datamarine wind gauge repaired last year.  Has been working perfectly all summer.  Went out yesterday and today.  Was reading 180* off of where the wind was.  It was consistent though.  When the wind would shift, the gauge would shift but was always off 180*.  It seemed to be reading accurate wind speed.  All day yesterday it was off and all day today, except when we got back to the dock, I happened to look at it and it was reading correctly.  Can't figure out what was going on.
#26
Main Message Board / Leaking handrail
July 13, 2015, 01:39:24 PM
I've been getting a good amount of water through the last bolt hole on the starboard long handrail.  Right above the ice box.
Pulled part of the handrail up and re-bedded the bolt with more butyl.  Also notice the screw ahead of it had a couple drips coming from it.  Seemed to be seeping from the deck core rather than from the top deck.
After it rained there was about 3-4 oz of water in a cup I put under the bolt/hole.
Then wrapped the exterior of the handrail (which was leaking) with butyl.  Still had water.
Then pulled the cowl, oversized the screw holes and filled with epoxy.  Epoxy hadn't dried so covered the cowl with plastic and taped off.  Still got water after it rained.
Couldn't figure out where it would be getting in.  Looked under the traveller, it's the original on my '86.  There seems to be a crack, about 3" long in the top of the deck where the traveller mounts.  Just found it Sunday so I taped it off.  Hoping that's the spot.
Anyone else have this issue?

Traveller doesn't thru bolt.  Been working on other issues and keep forgetting about this one, plus I'm looking to replace the traveller this fall with a new Garhaurer.  Under load, I can't get it to move.
#27
Main Message Board / Outboard issue
June 13, 2015, 03:04:04 PM
Have a brand new 6hp Tohatsu.  Only used 2-3 times.  Ran fine today for a 20 min ride.  About 1/2 hr later was going to go back out with my daughter to teach her how to run it.  She opened the choke, pull the cord and it started right up.  Engine seemed to be catching so I told her to push in the choke.  Engine died.  Pulled the choke out and tried to re-start.  Wouldn't start. I pulled the cord about 15 times and still wouldn't start.  Thought maybe I flooded it.  Waited about 10 min and tried again.  Nothing.  About 15 min later tried again.  Started up ran for about 20 sec then shut off.  Couldn't get started again.  It has a 1/2 gallon internal tank which is full of new gas.  Any thoughts.
#28
Anyone have a v-berth hatch for a MK I?  Boat is an '86 with the white fiberglass hatch.
#29
Main Message Board / New dinghy
May 25, 2015, 04:18:57 PM
it's time for a new dinghy.  We have a solid panel floor type now.  Was looking online at Defender.  Noticed there is solid panel floor, slat floor, inflatable floor, roll up floor. Anyone know the difference between them.  Only really use it to go from the boat to shore when out on the weekends and the kids use it to zip around a bit.  We tow it behind us when sailing, no davits.
#30
Main Message Board / Painting the Engine
May 18, 2015, 10:10:08 AM
Engine has paint flaking off in some areas and it's starting to rust.  Has anyone ever painted the engine in place or is the best thing to pull it out and strip and paint?  It's an M-25. 
Not sure if I could get it cleaned/degreased enough to get the paint to adhere even if I was able to spray it in place.
#31
Been looking for a place to tie off the spare halyard.  Want to keep it away from the mast to stop the banging and keep it out of the way so it doesn't interfere with the genoa.  Any ideas.
#32
Main Message Board / Replacing Ports
April 05, 2015, 05:16:40 PM
Halfway through replacing all the ports with new Lewmar opening ports.  Got a great deal at the Defender sale.   These were Beneteau OEM Lewmar ports which were originally on sale at $100.  Then during the spring sale 2 weeks ago were dropped down to $50.  Was originally only going to replace the 2 in the aft berth but at that price decided to replace them all.   They were all fogged over and all would leak periodically.





#33
New Blue Sea 1, 2, 1+2 battery selector  $30
#34
Brand new Aquasignal Series 25 Masthead/Fordeck light for sale, $50.00  Thought mine was bad but turned out to be a wiring issue.
#35
Main Message Board / Temp gauge still a problem
November 13, 2014, 07:22:54 AM
I've been having a problem with my temp gauge since I bought the boat.  It doesn't work.  Checked all the wiring, everything looks like it should be.  Figured it was probably the trailer hitch plugs.  Finally replaced them last week.  Ran all new wires from the engine directly to the engine panel. 
Still having a problem with the temp gauge.  When the engine is off and the key is out, the gauge reads 130*.  Soon as I put the key in and turn it to the first position, all the other gauges jump to correct positions but temp gauge drops to 0*.  Didn't have a chance to run the engine a while since I had already  winterized it but it's acting the same way as before my re-wiring.  Previously it would drop to 0 and stay there while running the engine.  Soon as the engine is off, it creeps back up to 130*.  Could the gauge be bad?
#36
Main Message Board / Replacing Holding Tank
October 17, 2014, 05:43:23 AM
I'm replacing my holding tank either this weekend or next.  Any tips from those who have tackled this before.  My main concern is leakage when I disconnect the piping.
I plan on pumping out, filling with water, pump out again, fill again then pump out using the macerator pump.  Then start cutting.
#37
Main Message Board / Stern perch seat removal
October 06, 2014, 08:36:22 AM
Do you remove the stern perch seats in the winter or just leave them in place.
#38
Main Message Board / Switching direction of furler
September 24, 2014, 08:59:41 AM
Is there a way to change which direction the furler rolls up the sails.  The way it is now, the uv protector on the jib isn't on the outside when rolled up.  The PO must have been doing it for years.  Kind of hard to tell because it's white like the sail. My local loft said the sail was pretty bad.  Just got a new jib and want to get it working right. 
#39
Main Message Board / Replacing Beckson Ports
September 20, 2014, 06:55:18 AM
I'm thinking of replacing the Beckson ports on my '86.  Took dimensions of them at the boat last week.  The cutout appears to be about 12 1/2" x 5 1/2".  Searching on the site it looks like others may have replaced theirs with Lewmar ports.  I'm looking at the size 0 which has cutouts of 6 1/8" x 12" or the size 1 cutout is 6 3/4" x 13 5/8".  Has anyone used either one of these?
#40
Main Message Board / Traveler fitting
September 13, 2014, 03:33:12 AM
I need to get a correct fitting for my mainsheet to traveller connection.  The PO put a shackle in and I keep forgetting to change it out.  Not sure what type of fitting I should be using.

#41
Main Message Board / V-berth hatch rain cover
September 07, 2014, 04:21:34 PM
Does anyone have a cover they put over the v-berth hatch when it's raining.  I've seen some that look like a flat piece of sunbrella with 4 grommets in the corner.  The four corners are bungee corded to spots on the rails to stretch it out and the spare halyard connects to the center of it to pull it up a bit.  Anyone make one and have dimensions?

When it rains out, the water bouncing off the deck comes right in the v-berth.  Would like to keep it open to keep air flowing.
#42
Main Message Board / New waste tank ventilation
August 18, 2014, 05:59:57 AM
I'm going to be replacing my waste tank with a similiar tank from Ronco.  I'm remembering from Peggy Halls book mention of adding a second vent line to create a cross ventilation in the tank to stop odors from the waste breakdown.  I'd rather not run another vent through the boat but was thinking of maybe installing a fish tank air pump.  I was thinking of putting two openings in the top of the tank. One for the vent, the other for a 3/8" fresh air line from the pump.  My thought is the pump would pressurize the tank and force the air out the vent creating ventilation in the tank.  Thoughts?
#43
Main Message Board / Removing silicone
May 19, 2014, 09:27:20 AM
Any good products for removing silicone from fiberglass.  I used a utility knife to remove the majority of it.  There is a thin coating left I need to remove on the cabin top.  I think the PO was the CEO of a silicone factory based on the amount of items he used it on.
#44
Main Message Board / Mainsheet Clam Cleat
April 29, 2014, 10:18:31 AM
I'm replacing my mainsheet clam cleat .  Reading previous posts, it looks like a rope clutch is the way to go.  Should I buy a double for the mainsheet and halyard (the halyard clutch works but is a bit beat up) or two singles and have the mainsheet one set aft of the halyard?  Was looking a the Spinlock XAS clutch.

Matt
#45
Main Message Board / Teak Trim Pieces
April 18, 2014, 12:39:33 PM
Anyone remove the 3/4" wide exterior teak trip pieces that run down each side of the cabin and leave them off?  Just wondering how the boat would look without them. 
Removed mine this winter, sanded, re-finished.  They are 14' long.  Had them tied down to a 12' extension ladder on a ladder rack on my truck.  Got to the boat, there was only 2-3' pieces left attached to the ladder.  Somehow the front tie-down came loose and they flew up and snapped.  Found them on the highway heading home rather mangled.
#46
Main Message Board / Priming a transfer pump
April 12, 2014, 04:54:35 AM
Bought a transfer pump to pump the water out of my bilge. (bilge pump crapped out this winter)
Reading the directions it mentioned I needed to prime the pump before turning it on. Wasn't sure if I was supposed to prime the intake side or discharge side so I did both.
This is my setup.
Sat the pump on my sole, stuck a 3' piece of hose on the intake side and had a 50' hose on the discharge side.
Poured water into 3' hose to prime. Turned the pump on and immediately stuck the 3' hose into the bilge. Pumped for 5 sec. then wouldn't suck anymore.
Unscrewed the 50' hose, made a U in the 1st 3' of hose close to the pump, screwed the hose back on the pump. Pulled up on the U so the water would go into the pump. Started pump, pumped for 5-10 sec then stopped sucking.
Then unscrewed both hoses, stuck the impeller of the pump into the bilge, watched water go into both side of the impeller, pulled out and screwed on both hoses. Turned pump on with same result.
Finally I disconnected the 3' hose, stuck the impeller/intake opening into the bilge water and turned it on. Finally worked and drained the bilge but I had to hold the pump the whole time so the intake opening was always in the water. 

What am I doing wrong. What I'd like to be able to do is sit the pump on the sole, stick the 3' hose in the bilge, turn the pump on and move the hose around to suck out all the water. Can't seem to get it to work that way?
#47
Main Message Board / New bilge pump
April 08, 2014, 02:48:13 PM
I'm replacing my bilge pump.  Should I raise it up from the bottom of the bilge so it doesn't suck in any debris.  I was thinking of placing it on a 1/2" piece of starboard.
#48
Main Message Board / Dorade Box
April 03, 2014, 07:21:10 AM
What do you call the operable vent in the dorade box?  One of mine has seized closed and I need to purchase another but can't remember what it's called to google it.
#49
Main Message Board / Water in the bilge
March 19, 2014, 03:01:44 PM
Trying to determine where the water is coming in from.  I'm up in the northeast.  Boat is in the water for the winter.  I have a tarp over the whole cabin top.  Cockpit is exposed.  Wheel is covered and engine panel is covered and taped.  Been checking on the boat once a month.  Water in the bilge each time.  I assumed it was getting in through the stern locker cover since sometimes during heavy rains I get water in through there.  Last week I took some blue carpenter chalk and put a line of it on the hull under the aft cabin.  Wanted to see if a particular side of the stern locker was leaking or my cockpit shower cover. 
Was at the boat yesterday.  Water in the bilge but none of the chalk had been disturbed.  Can't figure out where the water is coming in from.  Might be the mast but in the summer, I usually don't get water in from the mast.  I put some chalk right at the base of the mast where the wires come out to check next time it rains.

I removed & relocated both the vent stanchions last year.  They were both leaking. I epoxyed the holes in the deck so I know water isn't coming in from there.

Any other thoughts?
#50
I want to keep the existing rectangular cabin light fixtures and replace the bulbs with LED.  I pulled a bulb & took a picture.  I can't seem to find any LED bulbs that have the same end?  Only ones I see have 2 metal pins extending from the LED.  Would these be correct?