leaks

[reginaldon]

I have had a persistent yet fluctuating leak in my 19 ft bilge keeler, the leak had varied between 1/2 litre & 5 litres per tide - I am on a half tide mooring tell me I am wrong in my guesses. Any advice welcomed - my keels are fully encapsulated with grp at the top

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[snowleopard]

first question is of course is it salt or fresh?

possible sources:

fresh:
cockpit drains
windows, hatches etc.
water tank

salt:
skin fittings/seacocks
rudder gland
stern gland (if any)
cockpit drains
log etc. transducer
cracks/laminate defects

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[reginaldon]

Undoubtedly seawater thro' the bilges. No other access to the hull except by the rudder but this area is quite dry. Likewise the cockpit drains are quite waterproof.
It rather looks like the last possibility - any advice appreciated.

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[LadyInBed]

I would segment the bilge with some dams, this may give you a clue as to which direction the water is coming from.
What you build the dams from is debatable, putty - you need lots, flour - messy but dough might work!
Course the other option is to lift the boat out, fill it with water and look to see where it’s dripping out /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif
But the exit point may not coincide with the entry point /forums/images/icons/blush.gif


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[Althorne]

SWMBO says I too have a persistant flatulating leak that she's never been able to stop so if you solve the problem could you please let her know asap sothat she can try it out on me.

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[William_H]

I would bet it is related to the attachment of the bilge keels. I have no idea how they are mounted so some of this may not be applicable. Look for cracks in the sheating loose mont bolts and any movement of the bilge keels in relation to the hull. ie rock the boat when the weight is on the keels.
regards will

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[oldsaltoz]

G'day Reg,

Try sprinkling some talcum powder at both ends of the bilge and when you find out what end it's from you can work your way using more powder.

Avagoodweekend........

<hr width=100% size=1> Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif Growing old is unavoidable. However, growing up is still optional.