Dufour 1800 DL questions.

[bikerbill]

Hi all
Having recently purchased a Dufour 1800 DL with a lifting stub keel. There are some questions I would like to ask.

1. Water in the bilge:
There seems to a little water in the bilge, particularly noticeable under the floor board at the toilet / sink area though nothing drastic. I have not tried the taste test yet to determine if it's sea or rain water. However, I am thinking that the water is lapping up from the stub keel and not draining back properly. I have not had time to have a proper look to find where the water is coming from.

2. Anchor locker:
The lid on the anchor locker has a finger hole, should this have a rubber grommet fitted to stop the ingress of rain water. Have not found how it drains yet. Perhaps see above?

3. Lifting keel: I am not familiar with lifting keels, so when on the pontoon or at anchor, should the keel be lifted up or kept down? It is presently left down. It has also been suggested that when sailing into wind, it's best to lift the keel. Is this true?

Thanks in advance

 

[Tranona]

Can't help with the leak problem except that the anchor locker will probably drain overboard. Look for a hole just above the waterline.

Your last sentence is the very opposite to what is true. The keel can be lifted when sailing downwind and lowered to improve windward performance.

 

[seanfoster]

I've got a Dufour 1800 (not drop keel), the anchor locker drains to an outlet above the waterline on the bow, if you remove the cover in the forepeak, you'll see the hose.

 

[vyv_cox]

Leaks can have a source almost anywhere, from windows and deck fittings to skin fittings and hoses. The only way to find them is by a process of elimination and careful investigation. Most are harmless but leaks through any hull connections must be investigated early on as they can lead to serious situations.

 

[bikerbill]

Thanks for the replies :encouragement:
I have not noticed a drain outlet in the hull yet, will have a look in a few days when I'm up at the boat. I must admit that I was not impressed by the guy who told me that I should drop the keel. I thought that he was talking a good game, I get that quite a lot As for the water in the bilge, it's not a great deal of water but I will investigate further when I lift the saloon floor board. I have 2 outboards lying on it at the moment. I'm hoping it's just water lapping up through the keel box and not a problem with the keel bolts. Having said that, it was not recorded in the survey I have, so probably normal.