Where's the leak?

[Clutchman]

We purchased a 1979 Hunter 27 (Cherubini) last June and had a great time sailing her over the summer. However, she had the strangest leak that we can't figure out. I know this is one of the most ambiguous questions a sailor can ask anyone, including another sailor...

Here is what we know:

1. The bilge/engine compartment are almost dry when we head out.

2. When healing to the port side in winds heavier than 9 mph, the area below the port seat compartment gets water. Not an alarming amount of water, but it will cover the floorboard at the angle of the floorboard and side of seat compartment when we are healing.

3. She's been dry-docked and we just started sanding the bottom as part of a thorough bottom inspection which we will eventually paint ASAP.

4. There are no obvious signs of hull degradation, i.e. blisters and major cracks.

5. We also want to replace the floorboard, (at least the veneer than has been coming up because of the leak,) but don't want to do so until we find the leak.

We're hoping this problem has been documented somewhere...any suggestions are very welcome.

PS. This is my first post, so if I've violated any forum protocol, please let me know.

 

[justsomeguy]

Any through-hulls on the port side?

 

[Clutchman]

Just so happens there is a plastic through-hull in the same proximity...probably the culprit. Had to of been obvious...I should have known. I'll get more info on how to remedy the through-hull leak.

Thanks very much.

 

[justsomeguy]

You're welcome! Hope that's the issue.

 

[David in Sandusky]

Another idea...

How fast were you going when the leak happened?

As you approach hull speed of 6.2 knots the water of the hull wave builds up under the stern, submerging the cockpit drains. If there is a leak in the hoses of the drains, or in the fittings, it ends up in the cabin. But it will come from the stern index the sender of the engine, not on the port side.

 

[Clutchman]

How fast were you going when the leak happened? As you approach hull speed of 6.2 knots the water of the hull wave builds up under the stern, submerging the cockpit drains. If there is a leak in the hoses of the drains, or in the fittings, it ends up in the cabin. But it will come from the stern index the sender of the engine, not on the port side.

Not sure if this link will come t...box.com/s/rxdhsvbd11tm1qy/hunter plumbing.pdf

 

[Clutchman]

Not sure this link will come through...but 6.2 knots sounds about right. Thank you.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rxdhsvbd11tm1qy/hunter plumbing.pdf