Resource icon

Leaky Hull Air Test

Use this test to find leaks in the hull of your sunfish.
Materials Needed:
  1. Cellophane Tape
  2. Bucket
  3. Water
  4. Liquid Detergent
  5. Paint Brush
  6. Tire Pump/Compressed Air
Procedure:
1. Mix 50% water and 50% soap to make a quart of sudsy water.

2. Tape over the vent hole located in the forward wall of the cockpit.

3. Prepare a second piece of tape for use over drain plug.

4. Blow air into the hull through the drain plug, which is located on the starboard side of the deck by using: mouth, tire pump, compressed air (max 3 oz.), etc.

5. Tape Drain plug immediately to trap pressure in the hull.

6. With the paint brush, apply soapy solution around the outside edge of the boat (where the deck and hull seam is), around the mast tube, and daggerboard trunk.
Note: You must also soap the bottom of the daggerboard trunk at the same time. Draw a solid bubble across the mast tube opening. Soap all hardware and any locations you suspect might leak, including the splash rail (coaming).

7. When you locate a leak, circle the area with a grease pencil then rinse the boat with clean water and let dry.

8. Turn over and repeat test for the hull of the boat.
Author
Bradley
Views
4,533
First release
Last update
Rating
0.00 star(s) 0 ratings

Back
Top