[Sentoa] Condensation behind fridge - also battening down the hatch

[Jerold Tabbott]

In the past year we've had several occasions where we've found fresh  
water in the cabinet under the sink in our 26. On examination, have  
never been able to identify the source of the leak, but have presumed  
it is rainwater, so caulked the seams along he gunwhale. Pretty  
confidant with our caulking job, and cabinet stayed dry after a couple  
of heavy rains.

Unfortunately, in between rains, found another two inches of water in  
the cabinet.  Just above the fiberglas crossframe, there is a 2x3 inch  
section of dry rot between that compartment and the fridge's  
compartment. I now suspect this is an accumulation of condensation  
from when I run the fridge (Norcold), and that it has been overflowing  
into the sink cabinet. Has anyone else encountered this problem.

I'll probably have to remove the fridge to repair the dry rot.  
Assuming I find that compartment full of condensation, anyone have  
some good suggestions for assuring condensate doesn't accumulate  
again? The Norcold is old, but works great and can even keep ice cream  
frozen. I don't want to change it out unless it dies.

Separately, has anyone rigged any sort of batten to secure their aft  
hatch. Although I'd tightened the arms down before the storm, TS Fay  
yanked it open, ripping out both arms and half pulling out the hinges  
(hit the stack). No damage there, but I'm still drying out the salon  
carpet. I'd like to rig something more secure before the next TS or  
Hurricane blows in.

One more thing, although my storm damage is relatively minor, found  
out that since spate of Florida storms in 2004, Boat/US policies  
changed (2005) so that deductible increases from 1% to at least 5% of  
hull value whenever damage results from winds of named storm. Affects  
Florida - not sure what other states are affected.

Jerry Tabbott
Lady Diane II (26-065 - 1982)
Jacksonville, Florida