hi, the mac 25 i have just purchased has 2 holes in the bottom of the hull. one midships aft, and the other one stbd both below the water line. when i purchased the boat these holes were attached to 2 sinks, one in the head and the other aft by the keel winch. what were they originally used for? next question: the fiberglass seats in the cabin port side and under the bow seemto be abnormally flexible when i sit on them without the pads, the fiberglass pushes down. i think its because the foam is not all in place. could this be a problem and is it important to replace the foam for support? Any help will be greatly appreciated, thanks.
holes in the boat
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Wow I'm glad I asked here first!
Thanks for your reply! That helps a lot and I think I will go and replace those plastic fittings now....
Thanks for your reply! That helps a lot and I think I will go and replace those plastic fittings now....
Great story CA guy
Great story, it's fun to see you in my mind's eye scraping and reaching, now that we know all came out well and lesson learned. Those of us with through hull fitting keep a few wooden pegs just for this purpose. They are of different sizes and lengths, available from most marine stores just for plugging holes where equipment should be. I also learned while replacing a cutlass bearing that "plumbers putty" will seal about any hole as well. When replacing a shaft or bearing in the water marine mechanics will pull the shaft and plug the hole with plumbers putty. Holds well until the shaft is ready to go back in. Suggest keeping some on board just for plugging leaks in an emergency. Great subject, Steve P.
Great story, it's fun to see you in my mind's eye scraping and reaching, now that we know all came out well and lesson learned. Those of us with through hull fitting keep a few wooden pegs just for this purpose. They are of different sizes and lengths, available from most marine stores just for plugging holes where equipment should be. I also learned while replacing a cutlass bearing that "plumbers putty" will seal about any hole as well. When replacing a shaft or bearing in the water marine mechanics will pull the shaft and plug the hole with plumbers putty. Holds well until the shaft is ready to go back in. Suggest keeping some on board just for plugging leaks in an emergency. Great subject, Steve P.
Lessons learned
The best lesson learned is that you need to become self sufficient. That's why us older sailors carry so much stuff (junk) in our boats. Plugs for the through hulls, epoxy that sets even under water, duct tape, any and every scrap of rope we come across, spare motor parts (even when for an engine we sold 5 years ago) patch material for sails, needle and thread, an assortment of tools. You get the idea. Your best help comes from yourself. Out on a boat, help is not just a phone call away.
The best lesson learned is that you need to become self sufficient. That's why us older sailors carry so much stuff (junk) in our boats. Plugs for the through hulls, epoxy that sets even under water, duct tape, any and every scrap of rope we come across, spare motor parts (even when for an engine we sold 5 years ago) patch material for sails, needle and thread, an assortment of tools. You get the idea. Your best help comes from yourself. Out on a boat, help is not just a phone call away.
G, you're right w/ out all that stuff I'd be sunk!
Greg, the problem was trying to reach it and still keep one hand over the hole. You are right the phone was basically useless. It took them all totaled about three hours to get there(A lot older a little wiser). The hole was plugged by the time they did get there. If its one thing I learned from the old man (much to the chagrin of my wife) was that junk is something you throw out the day before you need it. I carry enough hardware and tools on the boat to outfit Home Depot. The other thing the old man taught me that I carry everywhere was ingenuity and self reliance. I think that's one of the things that attracts me most to sailing.
Greg, the problem was trying to reach it and still keep one hand over the hole. You are right the phone was basically useless. It took them all totaled about three hours to get there(A lot older a little wiser). The hole was plugged by the time they did get there. If its one thing I learned from the old man (much to the chagrin of my wife) was that junk is something you throw out the day before you need it. I carry enough hardware and tools on the boat to outfit Home Depot. The other thing the old man taught me that I carry everywhere was ingenuity and self reliance. I think that's one of the things that attracts me most to sailing.
Justin, boy is he prolific,
Thanks for the advice and link. I added it to my favorites. Right now I'm about 2/3 through A Sea Faring Trilogy, by Hal Roth. He also captures the spirit of sailing and cruising. I especially like his frequent references and appreciation of his wife's, Margaret, equal participation in the ventures. In one instance her hand is crushed by the vane steering mechanism while trying to free the trailing distance marker. She wraps up the broken bleeding hand and carries on with the good hand. She mans the helm through squalls and gales while he catches up on his sleep. Quite a remarkable woman. He is a writer who became a sailor and does both very well. Thanks again, Frank
Thanks for the advice and link. I added it to my favorites. Right now I'm about 2/3 through A Sea Faring Trilogy, by Hal Roth. He also captures the spirit of sailing and cruising. I especially like his frequent references and appreciation of his wife's, Margaret, equal participation in the ventures. In one instance her hand is crushed by the vane steering mechanism while trying to free the trailing distance marker. She wraps up the broken bleeding hand and carries on with the good hand. She mans the helm through squalls and gales while he catches up on his sleep. Quite a remarkable woman. He is a writer who became a sailor and does both very well. Thanks again, Frank
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