Hello, I am new on the Forum and to the site and I am looking for some advice regarding the extensive amount of water I have in the hull areas below the flooring of my 20 foot O'Day I just bought. The only place I see where the water can enter is the cockpit drainage spout located underneath the hull near the Keel area. On my trial day the boat became very heavy and was hard to just hold in place by hand and also being towed later. I also learned that the boat never filled water no higher than the hull flooring. It is like a magicians trick to me because, I would think if water s coming in from some location it would also have to leave the same way? Does anyone know or have experience of this issue, I sure would appreciate your advice at this juncture. Hopefully I will be raising it up in the air off the trailer soon to inspect the keel areas but I did see that there was some recent work in that area and it looked fine to me at the time. Again I appreciate your help in this important matter! Thanks Sailorman 66.
20 foot ODay water in the hull?
- Thread starter Sailorman66
- Start date
I don't know if I am doing something wrong here but I have had no responses back on my questions concerning my water in the hull issues. I have had 54 people look at my question? Yet on the other forum of ask any sailor I have had numerous responses. I would think an O'Day owner would know more than any other? I appreciate any input that an O'Day owner might have. Respectfully Sailorman66.
Water could enter the bilge area of the hull either thru the cockpit scupper assembly (drain) or the CB pendant setup. Other possibility might be the drain for the galley sink or the marine head if you have one (port-a-potti being self-contained would not usually have any thru-hulls, but a traditional Head might).
I'm not sure why the water wouldn't drain through the same place it comes in, However... if the water filled up all the way to the underside of the hull liner, you have one BIG leak!! Are you sure there are no cracks in the hull??
I am pretty familiar with the O'DAY 20, but must admit that I have no personal experience with the boat, but I have almost 50 years of sailing experience and have had more than my share of mysterious leaks.
I'm not sure why the water wouldn't drain through the same place it comes in, However... if the water filled up all the way to the underside of the hull liner, you have one BIG leak!! Are you sure there are no cracks in the hull??
I am pretty familiar with the O'DAY 20, but must admit that I have no personal experience with the boat, but I have almost 50 years of sailing experience and have had more than my share of mysterious leaks.
Good timing Sunbird22358 I just come in for a drink of water before I drop the keel and inspect the center board areas. I will check for cracks all over the hull again now that I have more room to work and will be able to see the keel out and maybe the pivot pin might be the whole thing. I will keep you posted, I appreciate your comments and expertise. I certainly appreciate and respect the knowledge of a sailor veteran!
I have a 41 yr old oday 20 but have not had any problems with water in the hull. if the cockpit drain was the problem it seems you would see or feel the water entering. if you could lift the boat or a trailer or sling you may be able to see where water is coming out. maybe drop some food coloring into the water to aide in seeing it.
Hello Lord Nelson, Unfortunately I can't see anywhere from where the water is coming in. I am assuming after cutting through the floor to expose the bilge drain, I believe the issue might be from the water entering there and then seeping into the lower sections of the hull. I just don't understand if the water comes in that way then why doesn't it leave. I think that the boards swell and hold the water in after it fills the hull areas? So I am buying a new drainage plug (Thru-hull plug and then I also will be repairing any possible areas on the centerboard that might of got ruffed up from the trailer rollers.
If you do discover water though I have learned start with the bilge drain they are known to give way after years. Thanks for your input!
If you do discover water though I have learned start with the bilge drain they are known to give way after years. Thanks for your input!
I just saw something on the internet where a guy sealed off all openings in his boat with plastic and tape. he then pressurized the boat with a shop vac or leaf blower. he put soap water on areas he suspected a leak. if it started blowing bubbles, it was a leak. thought of you when I saw this.
Hello Lord Nelson, well that's a different approach. I did finally get my boat up on the gantry and found only 2 areas of concern. I tried to download the pics but to know luck there. But I believe the main issue was at the cockpit drain bilge hole. The original through hole appeared too be rotted just before the outer area on the bottom of the hull. So that would explain the entry area and why I have the amount in those pockets in the hull. I also found a small pin hole that was located on the centerboard rear that "might" of been an issue, I repaired that one. So I just got to get the money for the through hole and epoxy and then repair it and put it back together this weekend. I hope that will be it for that issue. So just want to say thank you again for your help and input! Have a safe and awesome sailing year!!!!