Finding a leak

[ennis01]

I have had my 2003 34 MkII since 2019. This spring after commissioning, my house bank died and the bilge completely filled with water. Leak was not from the deck, seacocks or stuffing box and air conditioning had not been used. Saw heavy corrosion of the prop strut bolts, thought that was the source.  Looking more closely it appears to originate aft of the prop strut. I'm thinking cracked rudder post? Can't see clearly looking in from the aft quarter lockers. Any thoughts? The attached pics show what looks like wet dirt and scum. Any thoughts, greatly appreciated.

[KWKloeber]

Caveat:  I have no clue if this pertains to your boat or any 34 but I have this CTY fix in my library:

[Ron Hill]

ennis : I am just not that familiar with the MK II hull under the aft cabin to make any sense out of your picture!!   Sorry I can't help

Don't know what kind of "House Bank" batteries you have, but if they were unsealed flooded batteries and they were submerged? - that (battery acid) might account for the corrosion on the prop nut/bolts ?? 

A few thoughts

[ennis01]

Thanks for the thoughts.  The batteries are under the settee in a locker that does not communicate with the aft bilge. Rudder tube repair may be needed once a diagnosis is established.  I think I can investigate better by removing the wood panel/bulkhead that separates the aft cabin from the lazarette where the rudder post and steering quadrant are.

[Ron Hill]

ennis : What is so dirty/oily in the dark cutout in that bulkhead??  What is on the other side of that bulkhead?  Which side of the boat is the picture looking at - the starboard side looking fwd??

A thought

[rmjohns]

You can pull that panel off in the aft stateroom but you'll have to pull the water tank to get any real access back there. Pulling the water tank isn't terrible and has been discussed here on the board in the past.

I had a good leak coming down the around the helm station bolts but it would have taken a while to get that much water.  Could you tell if it was fresh water or salt?

Rob

[KeelsonGraham]

Water coming in through the two aft lazarette hatches produces exactly this flow pattern on my Mk II. Try running a hose over them and then take a look.

[Stu Jackson]

Water coming in through the two aft lazarette hatches produces exactly this flow pattern on my Mk II. Try running a hose over them and then take a look.

One of the first tech notes I remember reading (on Xmas Day 1998 when I was writing up the original tech notes index) was to apply some weatherproofing foam under the hatch covers.

[Noah]

Looks kinda gross in your circumstance but, for me, with a saltwater boat, first thing I do is taste the water to help narrow down the source of any leaks.