I'm brand new to sailing and got a free Sun Cat that has been swamped. I have it cleaned up and sailing but it takes on water that I can't find the source of. I've replaced the self-healing valves on the stern and looked at the cockpit drain lines which do leak a bit. They wouldn't account for the water coming in while floating.
I'm thinking of:
1. Replacing the gaskets on the centerboard bolt. They are misshapen. Ideas or helpful hints?
2. Inspecting around the keel by removing the trailer guides. Repairing any bad Fiberglas though I didn't see any during the clean up phase.
3. Taking it off the trailer using wooden or styrofoam blocks, ropes on the cleats and mask tied off to a tractor or tree and two 2x4 and plywood stands for balance. Use the tractor to ease it over on its side so I can get to the inside of the centerboard well. Repair any bad Fiberglas or just put on a heavy coat of resin and then painting (I need to paint the hull anyway!)
4. If all the above fails, take it to a shop!
First, how heavy is it? Will I damage it laying it over? Can I get it back upright using the cleats and mast? It would make me sick to ruin a great boat. Any suggestions, tips, cautions or ideas are most welcome! And yes, I have given this a lot of thought.
I'm thinking of:
1. Replacing the gaskets on the centerboard bolt. They are misshapen. Ideas or helpful hints?
2. Inspecting around the keel by removing the trailer guides. Repairing any bad Fiberglas though I didn't see any during the clean up phase.
3. Taking it off the trailer using wooden or styrofoam blocks, ropes on the cleats and mask tied off to a tractor or tree and two 2x4 and plywood stands for balance. Use the tractor to ease it over on its side so I can get to the inside of the centerboard well. Repair any bad Fiberglas or just put on a heavy coat of resin and then painting (I need to paint the hull anyway!)
4. If all the above fails, take it to a shop!
First, how heavy is it? Will I damage it laying it over? Can I get it back upright using the cleats and mast? It would make me sick to ruin a great boat. Any suggestions, tips, cautions or ideas are most welcome! And yes, I have given this a lot of thought.