Water Leak

[crusinsusan]

I own a 2003 Rinke 312 Fiesta Vee that has a water leak since new.  Water leaks into the cabin causing mold smell it has been repaired several times but keeps leaking.  Im not having luck in getting it repaired. Other than the leak I would buy another Rinker have any suggestions?

[Talon]

Do you know where it's leaking from, and how badly?

The day after we took delivery of our 320 (pretty much the same boat as yours), I noticed water building up in the cabin floor. It turned out to be the fitting for the AC discharge - accessible underneath the vberth - was not snugged down firmly. We also found a *minor* leak in a fitting near the AC intake. Both were handled promptly (same day) under warranty.

If the dealer has not been able to address the problem, I'd recommend giving Rinker a call at (574) 457-5731 and getting their thoughts.  Let me know what you find, I would really like to know more about this since I have essentially the same boat.

[crusinsusan]

The leak is coming in the port side under the rear clothes cabinet and leaking onto the floor going across to the head and water is filling up in the carpeted area in the aft cabin where we have a carpeted storage area
they cannot see the area of the leak because they would need to remove the cabinets.  The rub rail was resealed several times and we still have a leak.  I did contact Rinker and Randy Rinker did have an Independent make a repair but it is still leaking.  We need the leak fixed and a new carpet I will let you know

[Talon]

Wow - I can't think of anything in that area that would leak other than the rubrail.  I don't believe there are any through hulls in that area, and there are no water lines running in that area either. When I get mine back, I'll take a look and see if there is anything else that could be causing it.

Are the repairs being covered under the hull warranty?

[crusinsusan]

Randy Rinker authorized the last repair but hasn't acknowledged that this repair would be covered or not or if the carpet was going to be replaced
I do not want to go to Boat US for help until Rinker makes all their decisions.

[Talon]

Well please keep us informed. Like I said, I would be REALLY intersted in hearing how this turns out.

[Craig]

I had a leak in mine and when I resealed the rubrail it cured the problem.
Leaks seam to be a problem in a lot of new boats.

[Talon]

Just got back from spending the weekend on mine and it would seem we have a leak. Not sure where from yet, but it's not from any of the obvious places. I'm starting to wonder if the travel lift damaged one of the through hull fittings when I was out for bottom paint. Goign back up to the boat on Tuesday to explore. All I know is that my bilge pump is running with disconcerting frequency right now.

[Talon]

grrr - went thru the boat with a fine tooth comb last night - I can't find where the water is coming from!!!

[crusinsusan]

I have sent Rinker a letter last week and havent heard an answer yet I would hope they cover the repair If not I will go further.
This should be under the hull warranty.

[Talon]

I'm really thinking the haulout damaged my hull (or thru hull). Going out to the boat tomorrow to investigate some more.

[Talon]

Found the source of water on mine. In addition to the regular thru hull for the AC to get rid of water, there is also a small thru hull that drains water from the condensation catch pan under the AC unit. Our was blocked by a mod dober and was causing the pan to fill and dump into the bilge. Hard to track down, but a simple fix with a screw driver to clean out the drain, thank God!

[Sea Saw]

My 2001 270 leaks all over the place. My friends 2004 270 leaks in sevral spots as well. Never over look the simple things like cup holder drain lines. My boat also has a bad problem with the facuet in the galley. No mater how careful you are it gets water every where. In my case it usaully drains on the carpet right in front of the aft cabin.

[Talon]

It seems like the 270's may be prone to leakage - I've heard from several people outside the forums that have 270's with leaks as well.

[merwin10]

Leaks are tough to find even if you seal them if not done correctly. Did you reseal the bow safety railing. Another check would be under the rub rail. You see the top half and the bottom half meet at the rub rail. Screws go thru the lips on each. My guess is that there may be a few screw loose or missing. The only way to tell is to remove the center tubing of the rub rail check each screw and reseal. Big job and you will need some help to put the tube insert back in.

We had a leak in the 290 when it was new and found 3 screws missing and holes that went right thru, of course you could not see them from inside because of the liner. Must have been a Friday five a-clock special. Oh well there goes the old Qaulity Control out the portal.

Mike -