Leaking Centerboard Line Hose - O'Day 26

[hejira17]

Hello Gentlemen,
I have a 1985 O'Day 26, had it for several months, still working on it, but sailing it also. I'm very happy with the boat overall.

So before I tackle this item myself, I would like to see if somebody has some knowledge and experience. I have had boats with diesels and stuffing boxes, but the centerboard hookup here is new to me. The hose is leaking. It is probably original to the boat. There is also a crack in the fiberglass (I assume it's fiberglass) which is weeping. That is marked on the photo. I have a bilge pump, but will have to get an automatic one, mine isn't.

Question 1: Any suggestions on what glue, cement or whatever to fill that crack. Water is seeping out through it. I tried 5200, which failed. It will have to work with water seeping in, I can't stop it.
Question 2+: Do I have to pull the boat to replace that hose? If that were to be compromised and water started gushing in, could the boat be sunk by this? Do I have to completely take out the line to the centerboard, put on a new hose, and run the line back down? Can a replacement hose otherwise be put on there - like cutting a slit on it, wrapping it around a gluing it at the top? Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Dave Groshong]

You'll want an epoxy that cures under water, like SplashZone, but yes, that could definitely sink the boat:
https://shop.odayowners.com/prod.php?8879

 

[Ward H]

On my 1980 O'day 25 that tube appeared to be fiberglass. I can see patching it for now but plan on making a permanent repair by hauling it out. Then grind the crack out a bit, grind off all paint around it and wrap it with fiberglass cloth and epoxy.
I wouldn't replace the hose while in the water. Pretty sure it is below the water line at the low point. Plus, if you open that crack up more or worse, it breaks off, you'll be scrambling.

On mine the hose connect to another tube that then connected to a thru hull in the cockpit. I undid that thru hull, and pulled that tube up a little to give me more room to install the new hose. My centerboard was out at the time so I was able to run a plumbing snake down the tube to pull up the new CB pendant.

 

[JRT]

Man I would get that boat out of the water and fix right. My 1976 O'day 25 pendant tube is all fiberglass to that point. I think it was enforced a long time ago as it is very beefy fiberglass and solid.

 

[hejira17]

So, it looks like that rubber hose piece was put there and clamped to cover up leaking in the fiberglass underneath. I will try to get a look at another O'Day 25 or 26 somewhere near here in St. Pete, Florida and see. I appreciate the feedback and advice. I am going to get after this. The boat has to be hauled soon anyway for a bottom job, so this might be opportune.

 

[HighCs123]

Did you cut open the fiberglass to get back there to it?
It looks like your crack was under the floor?(sole?)

 

[hejira17]

I was able to repair the leak that was visible using some kind of under water epoxy. I am planning to have the boat pulled for a bottom job in November, and when I do, I will open up that hose and see why that is there, if it is needed, and check out the tether for the centerboard. It is all dry right now, but I want to see what is under that hose.

 

[HighCs123]

I have read another post, where someone with an Oday(222 I think or maybe 240?) Tried to remove the hose, and the fiberglass tube broke off when trying to get the hose off. May not be a common thing, but if it already cracked I'd be easy on it.

 

[hejira17]

I appreciate that. I am not touching it until I get the boat out for a bottom job. Then I'm going to take off the rubber hose and see what's there. Whether it is cracked or not, I plan to epoxy the hell out of it. I don't want to be left worrying about this.

 

[HighCs123]

I'd be interested in seeing pics when you get it apart.