www.iFourWinns.com

Hoping someone can help me with a possible source of an aft cabin leak. I have a '93 Vista 245 and am accumulating enough water to soak the majority of the carpet underneath the cushions/mattresses. It appears as though the leak is centralized on the back wall of the cabin where it meets the floor. I'm not able to determine whether the water is a result of using the boat or from rainwater. To make matters worse, it only leaks about 25% of the time, but when it does, what a mess. Outside of this issue, the boat is in nearly new condition as it was stored inside for years with only 75 hrs use. Any and all suggestions are welcomed!

Thanks, Dbird

One suggestion . . . Examine the deck fittings. My '07 Vista 358 had very similar symptoms. I ended up disassembling the starboard cedar closet and having my son spray the boat's deck and windows with a hose from the outside while I looked from the inside. Turned out to be the fresh water fill deck fitting was not bedded with enough caulk and two of the three screws were not caulked. Water was running down the hose and getting on the carpet behind the galley cabinets. Depending on the duration of rain storm, the water would eventually saturate the carpet and leach down onto the floor. Sealed the fitting and it has been bone-dry ever since!

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Transcendence II
2007 Vista 358

Thanks for the suggestion, I will definitely take a look. After thinking more about it, we were in very rough water over the weekend (in addition to the overnight rain) and am wondering if the seam on the underside of the rub rail is getting water forced underneath it. Thanks again, I will post how I make out.

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-Todd

1993 Vista 245
351 CID, OMC King Cobra

Found out on my 268 that the storage boxes under the helm seat have drain holes in them. They drain right on top of the aft cabin ceiling, then the water runs through the light fixtures and wicks through all the insulation. Have you been washing the deck or had anyone using the stern shower?

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2000 268 Vista "Reely Nauti"
http://www.facebook.com/#!/rivercruiser

The helm seats is a a good suggestion, I will look into that. Yesterday I removed every every deck fitting, screw, bracket or otherwise and recaulked them w/ marine sealant. We'll say if that improves things. Also, the starboard side deck drain had some debris in it. I'm wondering if that combined with being forced to park the trailer facing downhill allowed water to seep underneath the edge of the deck by the engine. There is about a 1/2" inch gap that looks as though it should have been sealed. Thanks for the help.

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-Todd

1993 Vista 245
351 CID, OMC King Cobra

My last boat was a 99 258 Vista, and it would get wet in the aft cabin. I tracked it down to the marine radio antenea wasnt sealed good to the hull. Resealed and no more leaks

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Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

FINALLY! Have tracked the down the source of the water. The former owner had broken off the thru hull fitting for the front bilge pump. His solution was to "T" the hose into another, leaving the thru hull fitting completely open. The 3 thru hull fittings on the port side are about 2" above the water line. Depending on the wave/boat movement, water would slosh in through the fitting and make its way to the aft cabin.

WOW you gotta wonder about shortcuts some people take..... glad you found your problem

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Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

Yup, that was a recipe for disaster. I don't know what he was thinking. Boats have sunk over less, thats for sure

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-Todd

1993 Vista 245
351 CID, OMC King Cobra

Hi new to the Forum - I have recently purchased a 98' 258. I find the cabin floor thoroughly flooded on 2 occasions after a rain. The previous owner says the water comes from the front bilge and back ups into the cabin. But he doesn't know how or where the water comesa from. I cant seem to locate anyplace either, any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

It took me a long time to figure out how I was getting water in the boat. If the boat is stored on a trailer I would check any and all deck hardware. Antennas, fuel fill, water fill, cleats, spotlights, bimini top fittings, etc. Also check that the deck drains aren't full of leaves and junk. If you store it without a cover (I temporarily was), you may be getting water through the "piano hinge" part of the cabin door. (if so equipped) Also check where the steering cables/wiring go through the side of the boat underneath the helm. Water may be running down the cables into the interior of the boat. Double check to make sure the water is actually coming from rain and not a loose water/drain fitting somewhere. My buddies boat had a slow leak from the water tank that took FOREVER to find. My galley sink drain was loose and slowly leaked. Obviously check any windows your model may have.

In the event that your boat is stored in the water, check everything already listed plus all thru hull fittings, gps/fishfinder transducers, swim ladders, outdrive bellows, and the drain plug itself. My factory installed thru hull transducer was also leaking a little bit. Have a helper use a garden hose to see if you can see the source of the water.

If I think of anything else I'll let you know. Good Luck

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-Todd

1993 Vista 245
351 CID, OMC King Cobra

Is the front bilge working? Maybe the switch or the pump is froze up and not removing any water that comes in. Friend of mine has a 95 278 and that's what happened to him, the front bilge wasn't working at all, so after any amount of rain, the front bilge area would fill up and get everything wet.

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Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)