wet carpet in cabin

fiestavee260

so I just got a 1993 Rinker Fiesta Vee 260.  I put it in the water and i have noticed that the carpeting in the cabin at the bow is damp.  I open the access panel under the stairs and there is less than half an inch of water there.  when I open the hatch for the engine compartment it is bone dry.  If i get a couple people to stand on the back of the boat the water will drain back and the bilge pump will pump out the water in about 5 seconds then everything is dry again.  I filled the fresh water tank and was wondering if maybe there is a small leak somewhere.  Any suggestions?  If also feels like the boat sits at the dock bow heavy making any water run to the bow.  

LaRea

Have you checked the drains in the anchor locker?  If they get clogged, water can drain into the cabin.  

Do you have a heavy anchor and a lot of chain?  That would weigh down the bow.  

fiestavee260

never thought of that.  where would i find the drains in the anchor locker?

Handymans342

LaRea, please explain how 100lbs weighs down the bow. I am using all chain now with out any noticeable effect.

LaRea

If you pay out all of your anchor rode (on land or in the slip) so the locker is empty, you can see the drain holes in the bottom of the locker.  (It would also be a good time to inspect your anchor rode, and make sure the end is secured to the boat.)

H -- just sayin', if it's an oversize anchor and lots of chain, the effect on balance would be more noticeable on a 260 than on a 342.  I'm not sure what else to suggest, unless the boat has some water-logged fiberglass up in front.  

fiestavee260

so i went down to the boat and took your advice and looked in the anchor storage area and it was full of water.  checked the drain and it was plugged.  got it unplugged and it drained out and the bow of the boat came up about 3-4 inches out of the water.  Thanks for your help