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 Cabin lights taking water		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Catalississippi
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts
Initially Posted - 02/25/2020 :  11:47:30  Show Profile
Well, I'm getting around to replacing the the cabin lights inside Suzy-Q, and while removing the translucent covers earlier this week, I discovered a few of them were surprisingly full of water. The starboard cabin light and light in the head (above sink on starboard side) had the most - the deadlight above that sink is definitely leaky, but I didn't think it would lead to water in the cabin light covers. The one in the quarter berth and in the v-berth were fine. I'm guessing I need to examine the deck hardware above and rebed some pieces. Anyone able to offer any tips as to possible source and remedy?
1980 Catalina 25 TR/SK #2098 ?????
Former owner of 1982 Catalina 25 TR/SK #3081 Suzy-Q

Lee Panza
Captain

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USA
465 Posts
Response Posted - 02/25/2020 :  19:55:37  Show Profile  Visit Lee Panza's Homepage
Keep in mind that there is a gap between the fiberglass unit that comprises the decks and cabin top and the unit that comprises the interior liner. In some places, such as the decks, there is plywood between those two layers, and they are bonded together, but in the curved areas there was apparently some kind of foam substance applied to one or both fiberglass units before they were put together. That foam is very discontinuous, though, leaving a considerable amount of void space between the layers, and water can run freely through there.

For example, I once attempted to fill the area above the galley, where I have a lot of exterior hardware through-bolted, and the fairly thin epoxy I was pouring into the holes kept disappearing - until it started oozing out around the inner frame of the window!

So, if water is getting through the outer fiberglass unit, at any of the numerous penetrations, it can travel a surprising distance before coming down through the penetrations that the wires pass through. It's even conceivable that it could be building up inside, above a well-filled area, and traveling some distance forward or aft from its entry point.

Naturally you should consider rebedding all hardware penetrations, especially the mast base (tabernacle), to prevent water from getting into that void space in the first place. But an easier quick-fix to keep water out of the light fixtures might be to carefully, and thoroughly, caulk the wire penetrations (and the fixture-mounting screws).

Water and electrical components are not the best of friends!
The trouble with a destination - any destination, really - is that it interrupts The Journey.

Lee Panza
SR/SK #2134
San Francisco Bay
(Brisbane, CA)
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Catalississippi
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts
Response Posted - 02/25/2020 :  23:16:23  Show Profile
Thanks, Lee. You've provided me yet another helpful answer. I'm a bit worried that - when I get around to the windows - I'll discover a rotten plywood core. I knew voids were possible, too, but I didn't realize about the foam core in the curves of the fiberglass. This would totally make sense, though, as water that collects in the bilge tends to re-appear at times after I shop-vac it out. I suspect that it's been in the sides and slowly dripping down - if that's so, I gather now that it would have to be in those voids. I will definitely look at undertaking your recommendations.
1980 Catalina 25 TR/SK #2098 ?????
Former owner of 1982 Catalina 25 TR/SK #3081 Suzy-Q
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.