Leaking around bilge keel

[Saddletramp]

Following a bump on the sand on Monday I now have water weeping in through the hull at one point. Obviously it needs to come out to be inspected but until I get her out I put some Fernox LS on it, the stuff plumbers use. Is there anything else I can put on that will stick to a wet surface?

 

[Lakesailor]

I used to have a client who did crack injection of concrete structures with leaks. Conwy Tunnel for for instance (before it was opened for use).
I think they used a specialised Sika product.
Probably cheaper to have the boat lifted and properly repaired.

 

[noswellplease]

Bad luck........Didn't think a bump on sand would cause problems, but learn something new from that.

 

[AndrewB]

Chandlers sell Underwater Epoxy Putty which might hold it, applied to the outside of the hull/keel joint.

But do not sail this boat again until its been lifted and inspected! At worst it may be necessary to have the keel reseated - unfortunately rather expensive. Have you contacted your insurers?

 

[wotayottie]

We've just had a boat sink on her moorings following a bump to a bilge keel. It was inspected by a yard allegedly and no fault was obvious - but it then settled awkwardly on the mooring a few months later and a keel came off!.

Not trying to frighten you, but I wouldnt expect a bump which just caused the hull to flex a bit to cause a leak. After all, BK boats are designed to take to the ground and that often involves a bumpy landing on hard sand. So I would recommend hauling out quickly for a surveyors inspection.

 

[[10753]]

As its nearing the end of the season you won't miss many trips. Have her inspected ASAP - not worth taking any risks.

Agree with others - small bump on sand shouldn't have caused a leak. Maybe this has aggravated an old problem ?

 

[Guest]

A Mac 26 ... as your Bio shows you have ... should take ground easily without mishap ... even good thumping as would be at Priory etc. .... I suspect there is a possible serious reason for this ...

Mac's don't generally leak unless they really hit hard ... or at angle.

I suggest you have it lifted asap and checked out properly. It may mean dropping the keel to see what is wrong .. look for worked joint ... crazing of gel at fore / aft point of keel contact to hull ... etc.

Where is water actually getting in ? have you mopped out .. spread dust around to see where it starts from ?

Temp leak stopping is not recc'd IMHO ... it's worth the cost of lift and check - if only for peace of mind ... it could be simple and quickly sorted ... or it could be the start of serious work ..

 

[luddites]

Mac 26's have encapsulated ballast not bolt on keels. Sounds like the bump has damaged the underside of the mouided keel, or displaced filler previously applied to stop seepage. Leaks like this commonly travel up through the moulded keel and ballast and seep out the top of the encapsulation inside the boat. Don't want to alarm you but the laminations across the top of the keels inside the boat are often quite thin and light. This was never meant to hold back water and the leak could increase rapidly in quite a short time.
You need to get the boat ashore ASAP and have the keels, including the undersides thoroughly examined so it needs to be done whilst in the slings.
It will probably be necessary to re-laminate the lower part of the keel(s) and after that it worth protecting them with sacrficial timber shoes. Simply cut these to the shape of the keel, spread thickened epoxy on the shoe then lower the boat onto it. Can be done one at a time using jacks and BIG pads on the hull adjacent to the keel.
PS if your Mac has bolt on keels she's a 27.

 

[Saddletramp]

Thanks for all your useful advice. As Luddites says it may be due to wear through the bottom of the keel, there was a trace of rust in the water which may be from the ballast. My first thought that was that the keel was cracked where it attached to the hull. I am happier if it is wear on the bottom.

Thought I had bought a poorly made boat but most opinions say it is well made.