FOTHERING...an old but valid idea

[Ross]

The problem with modern fiberglass boats

and damage control is the blasted hull liner that prevents access to the hull. On Bietzpadlin I can gain access to every square foot of the hull from inside the boat without dismantling any furniture or cutting any liners. I think that it is a travesty that todays boats are built with small regard for access to the hull from the inside.

 

[Fred]

Ross, every traditional planked

wood boat I ever had, power or sail, yacht or fishboat had a "ceiling" inside most of the hull; a layer of wood, often tongue and groove, fastened to the inside of the frames from the cabin sole to just below the deck.It would be a nightmare to try to plug a leak under that from the inside.

 

[Peter18012]

Collision mat

West Marine used to sell these things a few years ago, and I bought one from WM then. But they're not in the WM catalog anymore. Here's a place that offers them, though.As previously mentioned, getting to the hole from the outside of the boat can be a problem, depending on the conditions. With this mat, you can control it as you (and other crew - it's not a one person job) drag the mat back along the hull until you drag it over the hole and it gets sucked up against the hull. The 3 lines on the corner allow you to secure it in place. Suction helps to seal the hole. It won't stop all water coming in, but probably slow it down enough that you can keep ahead of it.