Maintenance - Leak at keel joint

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Leak at keel joint

Printed From: Laser 28 International Class Association
Category: Laser 28 General
Forum Name: Maintenance
Forum Description: All the things to care for your boat
URL: http://www.laser28.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=252
Printed Date: 17 May 2024 at 3:04am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Leak at keel joint

Posted By: Guests
Subject: Leak at keel joint
Date Posted: 13 April 2008 at 6:40pm

It appears I have a small leak between where the lead keel is bolted to the fiberglass sump. I noticed it last year and it seems a little worse this year. Has anybody else had the same problem and Is there a fix for this problem?

Thanks Dane

Replies:

Posted By: fmacias
Date Posted: 21 April 2008 at 3:16pm

Hello!

I think we have the same problem.

This is the second winter, while having the boat out, we find water leaking into the well. Last summer, before taking the boat off, we empty the water tank. We installed a tarp to cover the cabin. I do not think water is coming into from the top, hatch openings or so.

As we pumped the water away and dried the spot with a cloth we verify that the water seemed to leak from the Kevlar sandwich. Is it possible? Maybe, rainwater is getting from underneath the rubber bumper which “seals” the joint between the hull and the deck and leaking all the way down in between the sandwich to the well?? Could anybody advise?

Thank you very much.

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Fernando Macias

Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 23 April 2008 at 1:48pm

I am wondering if it as simple as tightening the keel bolts? Although this may not be an easy job without the right tools?

Posted By: fatjohnz
Date Posted: 24 April 2008 at 5:47pm

I guess I'm not as crazy as they said I am. When I dry dock my boat for the winter, I swear water weeps from the fiber overlap on the hull floor near the keel well. I mop the water weekly. By Spring the weeping has completely stopped. Someone said that it might be water collecting under the holding tank behind the engine and working its way thru the fiber to the well. I have not seen any ill effects. I will monitor more closely and keep her as dry as possible. john

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the freak flag is flying

Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 20 May 2008 at 4:24pm

I own #11, which has generally been rode hard and put away wet. I had water coming into the sump from day one (about 6 years ago) when I bought her. I recaulked all the deck harware and she is now dry, except for rum spills.