35 Lightning Question
 

I am still getting the routine down with the 1996 35 Lightning I recently purchased. One of the things I've noticed is that there appears to be some water trapped about mid boat.

The step into the cabin lifts up and there is a small (possibly 1 inch) threaded access hole at the bottom of the compartment. The threads and surrounding area are made of metal. I can see water just below this hole but cannot figure out how to get rid of it or how it got there in the first place. I have tried tilting the boat and parking it on a hill. Still the water persists. I have looked thoroughly at all the other access points and this is the only location where water is present.

Also, I am assuming that some kind of plug screws into the metal threads, but I don't know what it looks like or the reason it's there in the first place.

Does anyone else have this problem or know how to solve it? I would appreciate any help at all.

Thanks, Rick

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

They used 2 different size plugs for that Spot Post a pic. I can tell you what to get ,also if there is water trapped it is to drain aft to the engine compartment if something is blocking it it will break free durring use (Useualy)
Bob

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

Thank you Bob, I appreciate the information.

My boat's stored at a warehouse. I will drop by this weekend and take a couple of pictures of the condition. Is there an access tube that runs to the engine compartment?

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

Each stringer/bulhead has a port to the left and right of the keel to alow the water to drain to the rear of the boat.. sometimes debris blocks one side and causes a back up.
Ill keep checking in
Bob

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

Bob,

Here's a pic of the condition. I pulled the carpet as it went bad due to moisture.

I found the access holes in the engine compartment. They are pretty small. Once I find something I can run up through them (looks like there is better than 20 feet of distance between the compartment and stair) I'll try and ream it out.

Please let me know what you think threads into the hole at the step itself.

Thanks for the help.

Rick

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

I to had water there until I got a bow cover. Must have been getting in through anchor hatch in rain storms.

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

Mine was coming in thru the bow rails.

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

I don't have an anchor hatch but the boat was sitting out side for some months before I bought it.

If the water isn't collecting while the boat is underway, the problem is solved since I store the boat inside.

However, I don't know why there is an access hole under the cabin step or why it is threaded. Is there a plug or some sort of special attachment to blow air thru it?

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

Nature of a step bottom. Stand to the side - look at the keel line - as you look towards the stern you will notice it jumps up at the step / or steps makes the low point to the bow. Water runs down hill, or in this case to the bow, unless you store it really bow high. The area you are referencing is at the step on the single step 35 Fountain and does not amount to a lot of water. Take it out, run it, bounce it off a couple big ones and it should work itself back into the bilge. then store it with the bow up, based on the keel line. Common problem with this model. Own a '99 35 myself, same hull. Good excuse to fly the boat --- just tell the wife / significant other you gotta do it to get that water back where it should be!!

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

I had a friend leave his brand new 29 fountain with me for some help. It rained for two days ,I started working on the boat and in the cabin there had to be 40 gals of water. We can not find where it is getting in. He is not happy.

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

Thank You RaggedEdge, this makes some sense.

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

Yep, gotta put blocks under the tonge jack to get it as high as possible. Just the jack itself isn't enough. My previous boat had the same problem. However, mine was coming up from very bottom center drain hole in the bilge and running forward and getting trapped by the bulkheads. Once I got it drained, I then placed a fan blowing facing into the cabin step and let it run a couple days. I could feel the air coming out in the bilge drain holes. Then I used a couple rubber tapered plugs to plug those holes to keep any water in the bilge aquired from washing out the engine compartment or draining the built in cooler in there, from running forward. Boat never seen rain, so drains were not a factor. Never another drop after that. That was on my '94 that had the drain holes along the very bottom. My currrent '99 has the drain holes about 8" up from the bottom. I have no forward water isssue with this one. Good thing too, no idea how it would ever drain with the holes so high. Something doesn't seem right there.

Just my experience/cure.

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

I still hoping to find out what screws into the hole at the bottom of the step. Does anyone know?

Thanks, Rick

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

Sorry Rick . :eek: . Its Been a little hectic at work.. and I forgot to tell you I have one of the fittings coming from Fountain so I can see myself I think it is like a Gas fitting just smaller..
Should have it this Week
Bob

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

Thanks Bob. Do you know what it's used for?

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

I think it is nothing more than an inspection hole.

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

That and a drain for that campartment

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

Thanks Guys, I am going to call Fountain and order one today.

-Rick

Re: 35 Lightning Question
 

My 10 Meter would also get water in the forward compartments under the v-berth.
I ended up cutting access panels to get the water out/dry it out. I then sealed the compartments with epoxy.
My water was comming from the deck cleat at the bow. I put race cleats in and solved that problem.
If you have pop up cleats/bowlight or anchor locker make sure there is a through hull fitting allowing the water to drain outside and not in the bildge. Newer boats must be different, mine does not have drain holes in the compartments under the v-berth and facing couches.
When I reinstalled the ribrail and windshield I used sealant on the screw holes.
Since the mods, no problem at all.

Bryan