Water intrusion in cockpit storage areas on the 240/260DA?

[Dave S]

I would like to know if other folks who have the newer 240DA or 260DA have experienced the same problem I am having. (This is another one of those things that makes you shake your head and ask why this should happen in the first place. :smt017)

The rear cockpit seats on my 260DA have plenty of nice storage under them which we use for a whole variety of things. The problem is the seat bases are bolted to the floor itself and are not sealed at the factory (at least mine weren't). So if you hose out your cabin floor or get caught in a rainstorm (which happened to us yesterday) all the water from the cabin floor drains right under those mounting bases and soaks everything that is stored under the seats. :smt021 If Sea Ray could have put a bead of silicone around the bases when they bolted them on and there would have been no water leakage. But they didn't. So my next project is to do just that..................run a silicone bead around the edge of the bases.

If you have a newer 240DA or a 260DA, I would be interested to know if you have experienced the same problem.

 

[AndersonAcres]

I've thought about sealing my seat bases in just the way you described. On my older boat, though, water has been known to get into the under-seat storage area from above -- over/around and under the seat cushion.

I've hesitated to seal the bases for fear that it'd trap water entering from above, leaving it no way to get out.

 

[jg300da]

The only seat with storage below on the new 240DA is the rear transom bench seat. This seat is sealed around the base and has a drain in the back right corner that is piped into a thru hull fitting.

 

[Dave S]

I've thought about sealing my seat bases in just the way you described. On my older boat, though, water has been known to get into the under-seat storage area from above -- over/around and under the seat cushion.

I've hesitated to seal the bases for fear that it'd trap water entering from above, leaving it no way to get out.

I have thought about that as well.

On the newer models, water shouldn't get in from above because of the metal lip around the opening. The rear seat is no problem because I won't seal the area adjacent to the Lazarette so water can drain back thru there if need be. On the other seat I will leave a corner area unsealed as well so water can drain out if need be.

 

[Dave S]

The only seat with storage below on the new 240DA is the rear transom bench seat. This seat is sealed around the base and has a drain in the back right corner that is piped into a thru hull fitting.

After looking at the pictures on Sea Ray's web site I can now see what you mean. It appears the seat base is actually molded right in as part of the hatch opening. My misunderstanding. :smt021

 

[estebanj]

Another idea is to insert quarter to half inch cushion matts on the floor. I don't know the exact name, but they have a grid pattern and help keep the stuff dry. They are usually sold in 4 packs in various colors and the shape is square, but I believe you can cut to custom fit.

Esteban

 

[Sorrento 25]

The white plastic grating panels used in 2x4 ceiling fluorescent lights can be used for applications like this.

 

[boatmailster]

Another idea is to insert quarter to half inch cushion matts on the floor. I don't know the exact name, but they have a grid pattern and help keep the stuff dry. They are usually sold in 4 packs in various colors and the shape is square, but I believe you can cut to custom fit.

Esteban

http://www.dri-dek.com/

 

[Dave S]

Another idea is to insert quarter to half inch cushion matts on the floor. I don't know the exact name, but they have a grid pattern and help keep the stuff dry. They are usually sold in 4 packs in various colors and the shape is square, but I believe you can cut to custom fit.

Esteban

http://www.dri-dek.com/

Wow...........thats stuff is super expensive!! :smt101

I think I'll stick with my original idea.

 

[estebanj]

I remember buying a set of 4 and it wasn't that expensive. But I agree the web prices for Dri Tek are high. Maybe what I bought was a chinese knock off or similar. I wish I remembered where I bought it. Maybe Home Depot or Walmart carry something like this?

Esteban

 

[boatmailster]

Another idea is to insert quarter to half inch cushion matts on the floor. I don't know the exact name, but they have a grid pattern and help keep the stuff dry. They are usually sold in 4 packs in various colors and the shape is square, but I believe you can cut to custom fit.

Esteban

http://www.dri-dek.com/

Wow...........thats stuff is super expensive!! :smt101

I think I'll stick with my original idea.

http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/DRIDECK.htm

little over $5 a tile is not that bad
it is 12"x12" and you probably need only 3 or 4 to cover inside storage
they can be cut to size and last forever
most chemicals are not affecting it