Beneteau taking on water

[Julian Lakin]

We have a 2004 Beneteau 331 which takes in water into the forepeaks only when taking water over the bows. Normally bone dry (even in heavy rain), she absorbed 7 buckets full in a recent crossing from France in 25-30kt winds. Hatches and windows, logs all not guilty, and windlass electrics compartment bone dry. I can only assume that the anchor locker is somehow to blame. Any suggestions or relevant experience?

[Paddy Delaney]

Has to be the anchor locker , check it out carefully and reseal or galls up the seams again

[Joe Goodrow]

If you have a anchor locker, check the drain and the hose that connects to the hull from the drain.  also check the hawser.

Maybe check the deck and hull seam at the bow.  If your have a small gap that opens as the boat plows into a wave,

the water pressure can force water in when the stressed area opens up. 

 

 

[john simpson]

Just had a similar experience, in my Cascade 36 going to Hawaii. I lay up in the for-peak, for about a half hour, and noticed that when the boat plunged into a wave, at certain angles, water would come in thru the anchor locker drain. When the boat then rose up again, the water was unable to run back out. So, I cut off a piece of dowel, and hammered the tapered end into the drain hole; voila, stopped it.

Hope that helps.

[Julian Lakin]

Interesting idea, John.  I actually followed Paddy's advice and got the sealant gun out, around the bulkhead between the anchor locker and the forepeaks. I also discovered, after removing the chain and warp, that the anchor locker drain was partially blocked by a small stone. We need a drain as the locker is not sealed from above and would otherwise fill with rain (or sea) water.  We have had 'green aboard' on many occasions since, and I am pleased to say that there has been no evidence of water in the forepeaks - thus far!  Happy sailing in Hawaii.