H22 with a slight sinking problem

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Bill

G'day all, I have just accquired an 84 h22. She seems to be nice and solid, but has a history of sinking (twice). Third time's a charm, huh? Speaking with the boatyard has indicated that the previous owners were well-meaning but clueless, and left the boat unattended for long periods. Seems to me that a combination of rainwater (leaky cockpit drain hoses) and seawater (rudder fittings never rebedded) might have caused her to settle to the point where sinking would follow. Does this seem probable or reasonable? I've read the posts about the swing keel bolts, and I'm prepared to pull the board etc, but with about 30 gal. of rainwater in the bilge, I couldn't find any seepage/leakage from inside, ie: hull as dry as the proverbial bone. Am I fooling myself? We're going to put her in and sail her this week, and leave her in overnight to check for water in the bilge (now that I have it dried out), and see where we're at in a few days. The keel does seem very loose/wobbley on it's pivot. Any thoughts would be appreciated to help me along the right track. Thanks to all, Bill
 
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Jim Kolstoe

1st rule of boating...

is keep the water outside the boat, according to at least one author I've read. Somehow, it makes sense. I would way past concerned if I found 30 gal. of water in the bilge. It does not matter how the water gets in, it will cause problems, from messing your interior, to mold/mildew, to (blub, blub) sinking. Do you know any of the particulars of the prior sinkings? A friend of mine sold his h22 that he'd sailed for years without a problem. The new owner sank it at the docks the next season by not properly installing the thru-hull transponder for his depth sounder. The priors might be that sort of error. I would spend several hours inspecting any possible below waterline route for a leak before leaving the boat alone. Good luck and enjoy. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
 
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Bill

should have been more specific

Jim, I thank you for the input. I should have mentioned that the boat's been on her trailer for at least two years with the transom facing the prevailing wind. All of the water in the bilge was rainwater. I suspect most had blown in through the companionway, and I suppose that some had infiltrated at the mast step, toe rails, etc. Wish me luck.
 
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