My very old laser (from 1970's) got left out last winter without a cover. The cockpit drain got blocked with leaves and the cockpit completely filled with water. The bow was also down. I scooped the water out and as I tried to turn the boat to completely drain out the water I noticed that it was very heavy and there were sloshing sounds coming from inside!!! Lifting the bow, A LOT of water came out the stern drain hole. A couple of years before, I had rebuilt the mast step (from within) after installing an inspection port. The port was closed tight. The mast step did not leak. How did the water get into the hull? What should I do?
Also, when I opened the hull before to repair the mast step,I found the old plastic flotation cubes were completely degraded. I could not find new ones in Italy where I am, so, noticing that new ones were made from PET plastic, I collected A LOT of PET1 1/2 liter plastic drinking water bottles and completely filled the hull with them! Does anyone know how much cubic volume of air one needs to keep the boat from sinking? Thanks.
Also, when I opened the hull before to repair the mast step,I found the old plastic flotation cubes were completely degraded. I could not find new ones in Italy where I am, so, noticing that new ones were made from PET plastic, I collected A LOT of PET1 1/2 liter plastic drinking water bottles and completely filled the hull with them! Does anyone know how much cubic volume of air one needs to keep the boat from sinking? Thanks.