A leak on port tack only

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Gadget257

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I have just returned from my summer sailing trip exploring the Normandy Coast in my 40 year old GRP Hustler 30. On a passage from St Vaast to Ouistreham I noticed water above the cabin sole. The crew removed the water though it was still entering the boat whilst it was on the port tack - no water entry if the boat is upright or on the starboard tack. I tried to determine the cause of the leak but to no avail after eliminating the usual suspects (i.e. anchor chain pipe, skin fittings, stern gland). I’m now at the stage to misquote Sherlock Holmes when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. Any suggestions?

Can the join between the hull and the superstructure open up when a yacht is heeled over? Or can a bilge pump siphon back into a boat.

Cheers

Chris
 
Gadget257 said:
Can the join between the hull and the superstructure open up when a yacht is heeled over? Or can a bilge pump siphon back into a boat.

Cheers

Chris
Click to expand...

The answer is yes to both. If the hull deck joint is just bolted together with sealer then leaks could develop - or if you are regularly rail under the stanchion bases or chain plates could leak. If the bilge pump outlet is on the lower side underwater when heeled and there is no one way valve, water could siphon back.
 
As JTWebb says, consider handbasin and sink, these have all been known to allow water in on one tack on various boats.

Is the water definitely salt, not a fresh water tank spilling through the vent ?

Can you access the cockpit drain seacocks ? They may be out of the water or very shallow until heeled...

Failing these and as Tranona says the side deck fittings if lee rail under a fair bit, the deck join does need looking at; any sign of the leeward shrouds slackening ? it might not need that to create a leaking join though.
 
think your layout is much same as ours (hustler35) so only kitchen sink may be below water line if very heeled over on port? there are plenty places you can look at hull/deck join on ours, back of cupboards/inside cockpit lockers etc. we have a bit of water in the join, but not much at all really. hawse pipe?

when bought our boat there was a t pipe coming off bilge pump hose nr transom, on following it forwards it ended under galley sink, with no bung etc. in wind over tide waves water came pouring in here... (the hand pumped water tap on galley sink could double as a bilge pump as new)

ps also see here.....

http://www.hustler-owners.org.uk/
 
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