O'Day Mariner: Possible Water Intrusion

[MaritimeOliver]

Let me start by saying "I get it, it's a 1974 that I bought for $700, what am I expecting?!"

To which I'll answer: it's not what I'm expecting, its what I'm hoping for. I want to be able to put this thing in the water and not realize 30 minutes later that I need to pull it out because its sinking.

Issue #1: rubber washers around swing keep bolt ends. The actual rubber of these isn't really that bad, but one side looks like it was overturned and the other has a shit-ton of some kind of filler that looks like someone did after a bender. The video of these is tough to really see the condition of, but what I'm asking is if you were a mid-40's dude who had this thing on trailer sitting on somewhat uneven ground, how would you replace these?

Link to video here.

Issue #2: water. Per the video, there appears to be a small area where when I wipe away moister you can see more trickle back out. This is right near the keel. I'm guessing this is water coming from somewhere between the two hull molds. I'm thinking I should take a small drill bit (1/6" in?...smaller?) and make two pinholes to allow the water to escape, and then reseal this with epoxy (too small for fiberglass...I think).

Link to video here.

Thoughts?

 

[pgandw]

I strongly recommend splurging $15/year to join the Mariner Class Association (https://usmariner.org/). The web site has an active Mariner forum with searchable how-tos, including centerboard rebuilds and fixing leaking centerboard pivot bolts. The pivot bolt is above the water line, so you will only see the pivot bolt leaking when you are sailing and putting the area under water pressure.

The water seeping is likely from water-soaked flotation foam up under the v-berth. Not uncommon. It will continue to seep until you get the foam dried out. Drilling a hole is not an uncommon method to start the foam drying process. Again, a lot of discussion on the Mariner Class Association web site.

Fred W
Stuart (ODay) Mariner #4133 Sweet P

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I'm thinking I should take a small drill bit (1/6" in?...smaller?) and make two pinholes to allow the water to escape,

Rather than using a compressor as you mention in the vid, I'd much rather see a vacuum pump applied to the weeping hole(s) using butyl tape to get a good seal. With a vacuum pump, you know where the water is going as well as when most of it is gone :

No idea if this will work or not but you can always return it if it doesn't work and try another one.

 

[Will Gilmore]

@pgandw is right about the water, I suspect. You should join the Mariner Class Association (https://www.usmariner.org/).

A lot of mariner owners install access ports in the V-berth to help dry-out or replace the floatation foam that gets waterlogged over the decades. The drain hole is also a common practice. Some owners leave the hole with a removable plug, as well.

You can make sure the CB is braced against the trailer, pull the pendant taught, install the small locking pin that fits through a 1/4" hole located in the trunk in the cockpit, then drive the CB pivot pin out with a hammer, to replace the washers. I've read about owners who have actually glassed the ends of the pin over to keep them from leaking.

Join the association.

-Will

 

[MaritimeOliver]

I strongly recommend splurging $15/year to join the Mariner Class Association (https://usmariner.org/). The web site has an active Mariner forum with searchable how-tos, including centerboard rebuilds and fixing leaking centerboard pivot bolts. The pivot bolt is above the water line, so you will only see the pivot bolt leaking when you are sailing and putting the area under water pressure.

The water seeping is likely from water-soaked flotation foam up under the v-berth. Not uncommon. It will continue to seep until you get the foam dried out. Drilling a hole is not an uncommon method to start the foam drying process. Again, a lot of discussion on the Mariner Class Association web site.

Fred W
Stuart (ODay) Mariner #4133 Sweet P

Funny, shortly after posting this I found the MCA and joined, I'll be heading there this morning to ask but I'm fairly certain the v-berth foam will be replaced in the next week or two and then I'll be looking at the other foam under the benches during the next offseason.

"The pivot bolt is above the water line, so you will only see the pivot bolt leaking when you are sailing and putting the area under water pressure."

Going to have to ask the MCA groups if that means while its attached to the mooring too...

 

[Will Gilmore]

"The pivot bolt is above the water line, so you will only see the pivot bolt leaking when you are sailing and putting the area under water pressure."

I don't believe that is true; the being above the waterline part.

When/if, you drive the pivot pin out, you should use a correctly sized dowel to chase it out with and maintain hole alignment. I forgot to suggest that. I will have to go measure mine, but I think the pin is around 7/8" diameter.

-Will

 

[pgandw]

Could be the pivot points are different. I have a Stuart boat (1989), and the centerboard pivot is at least 10" above the hull ceiling. Of course, my centerboard is much lighter, and I do not have the winch to raise/lower the board. Along with lead ignots glassed in for internal ballast.

Fred W
Stuart (ODay) Mariner 19 Sweet P

 

[Will Gilmore]

Places of concern for leaks.
The mariner is of pretty typical construction, so the same areas of concern for most glass sailboats are true for the mariner. The deadlight framing, the pivot pin, the chain plates, the hull/deck joint, and the mast step/tabernacle. You might also make sure any thru-bolts, grab rails, gudgeons, motor mounts, etc. are well bedded.

-Will

 

[Will Gilmore]

Could be the pivot points are different. I have a Stuart boat (1989), and the centerboard pivot is at least 10" above the hull ceiling. Of course, my centerboard is much lighter, and I do not have the winch to raise/lower the board. Along with lead ignots glassed in for internal ballast.

Fred W
Stuart (ODay) Mariner 19 Sweet P

That is probably true. I have a '73 and, now, a '76, both have cast iron CBs and the pivot pin is only about five inches above the bilge. There are 2 lead ballast bars glassed in on either side of the CB trunk. I'll double check, but I think the pin is right about at the waterline.

-Will

 

[Will Gilmore]

This is where the pivot pin is located on my '76 Mariner. Definitely below the WL.

-Will