1996 Voyager 248 - cuddy cabin leaks

[karnacker]

1996 Voyager 248 Hi All - For years I have seen dark stains forming on that carpet material that covers the "ceiling" area of the cuddy cabin. Two of the dark stains (on the light gray carpet) start from the upper forward corners of the cabin ceiling/roof. I noticed some of the male-snaps (that are screwed into the exterior fiberglass to hold the front 3 cushions around the cabin hatch) are loose (and any sealant that might have been there is gone). Of course, some water could come from the top-hatch, or side portal/windows not being tight, or from screw holes related to the windshield-wiper or horn. In fact, there could be multiple leak sources, but I want to start with the snap-screws. I really noticed this when I started to see brown water seeping UP from one of the snap screws. I removed the screw, and the slightest pressure around the hole caused brown water to pour up out onto the fiberglass. I continued to push (with the palm of my hand) and more brown water would seep out. I assume the water is brown due to rotting plywood used to build the cabin ceiling. (This hole is basically facing directly up - not sideways or down.)
I prefer to not cut out the entire external fiberglass shell to dig out and replace the plywood. It's on a lift in FL, so if we get enough hot days, maybe some of the water can evaporate - as long as I keep it covered for any rain. I'm looking for suggestions on how I can dry out this area before re-sealing the snap-screws. Is there some substance I can pour (with enough volume to dry out most of the plywood without damaging anything else) into a screw hole without damaging the fiberglass etc.? I don't mind that the cabin roof is soft when stepped on from above - it is not significant. I am more concerned with clearing out the moisture so I can seal it up (to prevent future leaks/stains).
Anyone else seen this problem- and/or have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jim K

 

[Mike Green]

I use a vacuum pump and an epoxy catch bin. One hole at a time works best. On a through hull put a backer on the other side. Everything came from Amazon. Fibre Glast I believe is the vendor. In the cold PNW it is OK, but I bet in a warm climate it will be much faster. My pump is old and crap but if you can get close to 30" vacuum, the moisture boils out.in a vapor.