Slow leak fwd and aft of keel and shaft question

[bsavulis]

We splashed the boat for the first time (for us) this past week 1975 H27. It appears to have 2 small leaks one forward (under compression post block) and one aft from under the companionway steps. I have checked all the remaining thru hulls, and the keel bolts all are dry. It is absoultely salt water. Does anyone have any thoughts? Is this a common malady with these older boats? Is it possible a poor seal between the keel and hull could cause this? I do think I will be doing stringer work this fall. The floor had been cut out some time in the distant past and some reglassing done but I think they are due for replacement.
Also I noticed that prop shaft at the stuffing box seems to have a bit of runout .020 - .030 should I be concerned?

Thanks for the wisdom!

 

[Manny]

The leak from aft of the companionway is possibly just the stuffing box. Have you checked to make sure it is not leaking when the shaft is not turning? Also, it should drip slightly when in gear. Other things to check are the hoses and clamps for the engine cooling, maybe a small leak their when running the engine. Check the cockpit scupper thru-hulls and hoses for cracks, check their hose clamps. Another area to check for leaks would be the rudder stuffing box.
As far as the forward leak I can't offer any insight. The compression post should be forward of the keel bolts so if you see a leak there but not around the bolts I doubt it could be the keel. Maybe you are getting rainwater running down the compression post and mixing with dried up residual salt in the bilge? Is your water tank empty? It could be leaking if it is the original aluminum tank. Check to see if you have any thru-hulls forward that are close to the waterline, they may have a crack or a loose clamp.
Good luck and let us know what you find.

Manny

 

[bsavulis]

I have checked the stuffing box, scuppers, hoses, thru hulls, water, waste tanks, water pump for the motor I really do think this is water weeping in. It hadn't rained for a few days the last time I tried to find the cause. I can shop vac it all out dry and have a couple of gallons 2-3 days later.

 

[ish]

Those leaks forward are tough. I'm dealing with one myself and just asked some similar questions; see this thread for the feedback I got, has some good ideas on things to check. Mine is 99% certain to be a forward thru-hull, but I didn't believe it for a long time either... a slow enough leak can really fool you, it's worth checking them again.