I, Too, Have Daysailor Centerboard leak

[Fred Ludwig]

While my boat sits on mooring, I may pick up 3 gallons per week. While under sail, I can pick up 16-20 gallons in one hour (in heavy going). I have an easy way for draining the boat, but I would prefer to find the leak and fix it. I am guessing there is some kind of opening somewhere in the centerboard housing; but how hard is it to drop the centerboard out of a Daysailer so I can look for the leak? If I am lucky, it may only be a bad gasket. The boat is about 25 years old and has been sailed on salt water. I purchased this boat last fall and will now be using it only on fresh water. Any advice on removing the centerboard would be appreciated. I am thinking the easiest way would be to tip boat upside down on shore. Thanks very much!Fred Ludwig

 

[Pat Corbett]

centerboard leak origin

You don't say where the leak is coming from, but there may be a crack in the trunk, at the bottom where the board enters, forward or stern. That's been my experience. Also, I have found that small amounts of water in the cockpit from unknown sources can sometimes be from the bilge, which if not drained will fill and look for ways to flow. Water forced through small cracks enlarge the crack and you have a leak that "appears" to be in the hull. The board itself doesn't seem to be the problem. I don't see a way to repair in-water. If you can haul, you may be able to do some fiberglass work without having to remove the board. By the volume of water, you need to do something, and soon! There are many good books on fiberglass repair, it's not too hard to do, just roll up your sleeves. Anyway, what could you possibly do that would be worse than the present situation. Good Luck!

 

[Fred Ludwig]

Thanks--and here's an update . . .

Thanks for your ideas! Today I pulled the boat and tipped it up on edge so that I could drop the centerboard. The water I was draining from the boat was in the bilge, not in the cockpit. With the centerboard removed, I was able to get a look inside the centerboard trunk. It doesn't appear that there are any breaks in the hull; I guess I will have to assume that the water is coming in at the centerboard bolt. I have ordered new gaskets and washers. If those are snug, I would guess there is no other way for water to enter the bilge from beneath the boat. I will say that the centerboard itself has hollow sections, and as the centerboard had a few hole in it, it would take in water--I have put an end to the holes this evening. Thanks again for your advice. If you have any other suggestions please let me know. My email is b.f.ludwig@rcn.com

 

[Pat Corbett]

Bilge infiltration

Glad to know no hull leakage. Water in the bilge can come from any through fitting, chain plates, cleats, etc. Over time, rain, splash water infiltrates and adds up. Next time out of the water, pul the bilge plug, and watch the deluge.I do this once - twice a year. Good luck.