Water Leakage into cabin of Adventure 208

[oyster77]

We are looking at a 1999 GW 208 Adventure which looks real good in all respects except...signs of water leakage into the cabin

The roof liner is stained from water getting on it.

There are large beads of silicon sealant along the tops of the side instrument panel in the cockpit and the storage insert on the passenger side.

Questions...

Is this a known issue with this model?

Is the windshield seal leaking...or...the forward hatch...or could water travel forward from the side cockpit inserts for the switches and the storage insert?

If pictures would help, I can post one.

Kindest thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Grady208CT]

Please post pics. I have a 2001 208 and have no water problems. My headliner shows no water staining at all.

 

[seasick]

Same here 2001, no water leaks or stains.
The intrument locker has a drain , so even if it gets water , the water shouldn't get into the cabin. I would expect the entry to be close to where the most stained liner is. Take a look at the windshield washer seal and the horn wiring seal.
You might have a leak in the forward hatch also. leaks in the anchor rode cover usually let water drain into the bilge.
I suppose the gobs of silicone are a clue but maybe it means that is what they thought was the issue but it isn't.
One other thought: Where is the VHF antenna mounted? If on the side of the helm, that might leak also.

 

[Parthery]

If its the roofliner its probably the hatch. Either it wasn't closed at some point, or the rubber seal is no longer sealing.

My '99 never leaked, and I hit it pretty good on a regular basis with the hose.

 

[oyster77]

Thank you Seasick and Thank you Parthery!

The upcoming sea trial and a bath with a hose should wrap this sort this out. In every other respect, we see a good looking 208!

I will try to post a picture tonight, mot as easy as normal. There is discoloration over both of the side hatches which is worst at the peak.

I do not see it as possible that the side cockpit inserts (the switch panel and its port side twin where the silicon is) could pass water to over the side hatches and forward of there.

Its either the hatch seal or the windshield gasket.

The boat was dry stored so it may not have been an issue for the current captain.

Question...are the windshieid nuts or bolts accessible if that is the source?

Thanks again!

Tight lines!

Oyster77

 

[Parthery]

Is the leakage around the "porthole" windows on each side of the cabin? Again, they may need to be resealed.

The panels on each side of the jumpseats, even if removed, do not allow access into the cabin. There is a small hole that runs through this panel into the electronics box, but on the 208, the electronics box cannot be folded down from inside the cabin.

I still say either hatches or bifold doors, but either way it should be an easy fix. Keep us posted....

 

[seasick]

Mkae sure you get a moisture test of the transom and hull but especially the transom. Those boats are known for wet transom issues.

The side windows aren't the source if the water stains are on the top of the liner. Center hatch is most likely cause. When it rains, thw water will run down the windscreen directly into the back edge of the forward hatch. As mentioned, it may have been left open at one point but if it is leaking, a spray with a hose should identify a leak

 

[oyster77]

Captain Seasick,

Boat was indoor, drystored since new. Bottom was never painted. As a result, we are thinking that transom water penetration is a very remote possibilty. The hatch gasket or windshield seal probably dried out some time ago and this became apparent when she was put outside to show for sale. The GW Dealer offering this boat for sale has committed to finding and fixing the issue. Boat looks fresh and tight in all other respects.

You and Parthery have given me a sense that the problem can be found and rectified.

Once again, thank you for your knowlegable thoughts...keep them coming!

Oyster77

 

[ad3inc]

I have a 1998 that i just picked up this year. I thought i had the same problem as you describe. After going crazy trying to find the
leak a freind pointed out that it was the adhesive they use that was soaking thru and discoloring. Over the winter going to try some OxyClean

 

[oyster77]

http://s1116.photobucket.com/home/vikingprince/index

Thank you all for your thoughts; what a great resource!

Here is a pic...may just be adhesive breaking down as suggested by ad2in...what do you think?

Oyster77