perfect solution to leaky hull

H

hubby helper

New Member
I am trying to convince my husband:mad: that he doesn't need to be concerned about a leak in our Laser:( . I think the perfect solution would be to drill a small hole in the deck and fill the hull with expanding foam insulation:rolleyes: . He says "Don't be so crazy":confused: . I apologize if someone on this forum has already suggested this but if not what do you think are the negatives to this solution of fixing our old girl:) ?
 
it will be really slow because of the lots of added weight, and the foam will soak up water, and will eventually become unbearable
just find the leak, and fix it properly... that's my suggestion
 
Plus it seems to me that if the expansion of the foam is not perfectly controlled, there could be hull and deck separation.
 
Oh no, I can't let my hubby win this argument! I am thinking about the spray foam that is applied to the outside of basements that is very very sticky and is made for exterior use so it is not very porous. Still no go?
 
Best to be the perfect helper/spouse and buy hubby a new Laser.. :D
But if you do insist on filling the laser with expandable foam, make sure he gets to pick out the colors, counter tops and cabinets for the kitchen and bath re-model ;)
 
Perhaps change tactics slightly - offer to help him find the leak (it's much easier with two people) and fix it once the leak is located.
 
hubby helper said:
Oh no, I can't let my hubby win this argument! I am thinking about the spray foam that is applied to the outside of basements that is very very sticky and is made for exterior use so it is not very porous. Still no go?
Click to expand...

No it is pretty porous. It does sound like a great idea at first glance but there are good reasons why no one does it. I once had a top mast where some prior owner had the same idea and boy was it heavy! It was always pretty wet too because the foam soaked up some water and trapped more inside. I can only imagine how heavy a Laser would be filled with foam.

What you should do is buy yourselves a new Laser and help hubby fix this one so you both can sail! And if he starts beating you too much on the race course you can always fill his boat with foam later on to slow him down! ;-)
 
Unless the hull is very worn under the transom or bow, or through obvious cracks, it will be leaking through two places-
Bung fitting on the transom, take out and re-seal.
Through tube for bailer from cockpit to bailer recess, especially if it's plastic. Replace with brass fitting. There are instructions on this site on how to do it.

Both are cheaper and more effective than filling with foam.

Happy sailing
 
Well I entered the man cave this morning and we located the leaks.:confused: There is one hole where the center board has worn a hole where the center board cavity and deck meet. There is a hole at the bottom of the casing where the mast stands and about six inches here and there around the edge of the boat where the deck meets the hull.
The old girl is about 34 years old according to a search on the Internet with her serial number and she has treated me so well (I can beat:p hubby on his Laser even if my old girl does take on a little water ). I can't send her to the bone yard.
 
Hubby just read my last post and he says" take the deck off, fill the hull with dirt, make a flower pot and stand the mast up in it for a flag pole"!
Imagine the nerve!:)
 
hubby helper said:
Hubby just read my last post and he says" take the deck off, fill the hull with dirt, make a flower pot and stand the mast up in it for a flag pole"!
Imagine the nerve!:)
Click to expand...

Hey, we've had threads with uses for defunct Lasers. This one is new and I like it!
 
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