Keaky Bottom

[John O'Brien]

I recently took ownership of a 1986 H23. The boat has spent its sailing life in fresh water, mostly stored in water. It hasn't been hauled since about 1997.There seems to be a small leak about each of the keel bolts, such that about 2 gallons enters the boat over the keel evey 48 hrs. I am about to haul the boat to repaint the bottom. Any suggestions on leak-proofing the boat ??I believe I have a similarly small leak just under the forwardmost berth, just forward of the porta pottie. Is there anything there that can leak ?? Can blisters leak through ??

 

[Ernie Rogers]

Keel bolts are lowest point.

John,Don't jump to conclusions about leaky keel bolts. I also have an '86 h23 and when I first bought the boat assumed the same thing!Any leak any where will collect at the keel boats. Those small areas under the floor boards are the best place to wet-vac out the water, but not necessarily where it's coming in. My leaks turned out to be at screws attaching the rub rail and attaching the hull to the topside.Other likely spots to check are the hoses at thru-hull fittings: cockpit drain, anchor locker drain. Also the bolts for the motor mount and rudder bracket.There's a lot of info about this in the archives, so do the search on h23 leaks.Keep after it and you WILL find it!!

 

[Ron Stephanson]

H23 keel leaks

I thought I had the same water in keel bolt area. The problem apparently was a build up over the years of rain water leaking in(we don't get much in New Mexico): as I removed water , it kept filling from a hidden bilge. Any way after a season of sailing, torqueing(spelling?) bolts and removing water it stopped. Suggest you try removing water for a while, before extensive repairs. I also made a waterproof cover that keeps water from entering the sliding hatch area. Check/rebed deck fittings. forward area leaks could be from the anchor locker hose to the thru hull. I also replaced all thru hulls, they were very brittle. If you are repairing blisters--LET THEM DRY BEFORE REPAIR-check websites and Gudgeon Brothers for complete procedures.

 

[Caleb]

Same experience as Ernie

John, I also have a 1986 H23 and assumed the keel bolts were also the cause of 2-4 gallons building up over a 2 week period. Turned out the rub rail was leaking along the stern where rain water ran down the deck and spilled over the stern. Some of that water ran into the crack between rub rail and hull, then penetrating the hull at through the seam. I silicon caulked the rub rail and no more water for an entire season.

 

[Brian]

common thread

My 87 h23 also accumulated 2-4 gallons while sitting at dry dock for a couple of years before I purchased it. I found the same trouble areas that Ernie mentioned and was able to remedy the leaks one by one with a little time and patience. One thing to add would be to check the seals around the windows.

 

[Kevin Keen]

Leaks and Cold Weather

John: My H23 is bone dry during the summer, on the trailer or in the water. But in the fall before the tarp goes on water does collect in the bilge area. It is amazing what a 50 degree Fahrenheit temperature drop will do to fiberglass, especially around the rubbing strake. - Kevin.