Water ballast leak w/ photo!

[Reena]

We have repaired the last 2 seasons two cracks that spread out in a "Y" about 2 inches from the front centerboard well on our '94 Hunter 26 (one of the early productions - Hull #17) . When we began to prepare the boat for VC 17, we noticed the cracks and water was dripping from one of these cracks (the tank was emptied last fall). I'm assuming that this "crack" has now expanded into the water ballast and there was some remaining water from last season. Has this been a problem with other Hunters ... cracks around the front centerboard well. I'm assuming due to the boat's design, it is subject to stress in this area. We have been very diligent in not quickly dropping the centerboard once we saw the first crack. But another appeared last season. What other damage might be going on due to these cracks? And what can be done to repair it? How serious is the problem? Is it okay to sail like this until repair can be made?

 

[Mark]

Front

It would appeaar that this crack is at the front of the keel casing???

 

[Reena]

Yes ... it's in the front

Other archive articles have spoken about these similar type of cracks but mostly they seem to be in the gelcoat around the centerboard well. I can slide a piece of paper up about half an inch in the crack in top portion of the photo (this is the one where water was dripping from it.)

 

[crazy dave]

Reena

One other question. When you slide the paper up into the crack, does it stop as if something is blocking it? This does depend on the repair suggestions.Crazy Dave Condon

 

[Reena]

Yes, it appears to stop

It appears to stop but unsure if the paper just wasn't strong enough to go further since it's rather a rough opening.

 

[crazy dave]

repair

The first thing I would do is dremel out that area in a V pattern making sure you do not go all the way through. If the crack has not gone all the way, there are two ways. First, the tank needs to be empty and the area completely dry before repairs are done. Depending on what you find, you may have to do one of two things. First, if you have to glass the area, try to get some vinylester resin and not polyester resin. Layer the glass in giving time for the other to dry. Make sure you work out the air bubbles. You may want to dip the roller or brush in acetone so the resin will not stick. Once dry, then sand smooth. You may want to fill in the small areas that are concave with a two part epoxy. If you find that you only need to apply a two part epoxy to the area, then again make sure the area is completely dry and apply. You may have to layer. Also, there are different grades of epoxy sealer so take a look for the best one designed for underwater. Trust me on this one. At this point, then you can put on an epoxy sealer or even use and follwo the West System.Then repaint with anti fouling. If you feel uncomfortable doing this work, find a good shop that will do it. It would be best the boat is lifted aoff the trailer as working layiung on your back, things will drop and get into your eyes. Acetone sure burnte the heck once on me as a result.One important item to remember is the area has to be dry or your work will not be worth a whoot. Crayz dave Condon