I have a 1982 Hunter 22. Love the boat, which I've had for 4 years, but hate the constant worry about a leak I can't find. I know the swing-keel Hunters are notorious for leaks around the through-hull bolts holding the keel pivot brackets. I've reworked this area every year when I pull it out of the water. Remove the old 5200 calking and put copious amounts of new calking under, and around the brackets. I also fill the bolt holes before inserting the bolts. I just can't believe I'm still getting water in the bilge from around those bolts. I've tried reversing the process when I have the boat pulled out of the water. Filling the bilge with water and looking for leaks underneath. However, I realize the water in the bilge is not under pressure and does not perform the same way as water being forced up from the bottom while she is sitting at dock. What else can I check and how do I go about it? Anyone have any secrets for locating leaks... I'd love to hear them.
How do you find a leak
- Thread starter JTurner
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Draw chalk lines
Draw a chalk line around a chronic wet area to to see where the water is coming from. The water will wash the chalk away where is runs through it. If you suspect deck fittings or a hull joint, use water from a garden hose to test the questionable areas. Fair winds, Tom
Draw a chalk line around a chronic wet area to to see where the water is coming from. The water will wash the chalk away where is runs through it. If you suspect deck fittings or a hull joint, use water from a garden hose to test the questionable areas. Fair winds, Tom
W
Wright
Did you taste the water?
All my 26.5's leaks were from port lights and hull to deck joints, hence fresh water in the bilge.
All my 26.5's leaks were from port lights and hull to deck joints, hence fresh water in the bilge.
ShopVac
Previous posts suggest taping the companionway doors shut with a shopvac hose inserted to blow air into the boat (when it’s out of the water). Then, with a spray bottle of soapy water, go over the boat and look for bubbles. I’ve had success doing this with smaller boats – don’t know why it wouldn’t work for larger boats as well.
Previous posts suggest taping the companionway doors shut with a shopvac hose inserted to blow air into the boat (when it’s out of the water). Then, with a spray bottle of soapy water, go over the boat and look for bubbles. I’ve had success doing this with smaller boats – don’t know why it wouldn’t work for larger boats as well.
Shopvac hit it on the head.
take the boat out and tape all windows. Then tape with plastic over the companionway and insert an air blower and use soapy water to find bubbles. That is where you will find a leak whether top or bottom
take the boat out and tape all windows. Then tape with plastic over the companionway and insert an air blower and use soapy water to find bubbles. That is where you will find a leak whether top or bottom
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