How can you tell if a Laser hull is airtight? (and watertight!)

[ebay100]

Any suggestions on how to tell if a hull is air/watertight

 

[jimmy]

The hull has a small hole in the front of the cockpit under the hiking strap. This hole is meant as a vent to keep pressure from building up in the hull. It is a good idea to remove the stern plug for additional ventilation when stored.

Best way to see if your boat is water tight is to lift the bow with the plug removed and see if any water drains out. if it is dry your boat is in good shape. Little or no water should enter the vent hole uder the hiking strap under normal use. If after a day of sailing you have water in the boat you can look for the leak by forcing air presure into the stern plug hole and apply soapy water to the hull where you suspect a hole (rails, mast step, center board trunk) Be carefull not to put too much air presure or you will create a new leak. For this reason I would not plug the vent hole during the test. You should be able to see bubles forming where a leak exists. Most common source of air pressure is the exhaust port on a vacuum cleaner. Again do not apply too much presure, you should not need to seal the hose to the stern plug. holding it loosly to the hole should create enough pressure in the hull to force air out through any holes and create the tell tale bubbles.

Good luck!

 

[nutzuns]

In fact be VERY careful not to put too much pressure into the hull - this has been a topic on the RS forum where guys have used foot pumps etc, apparently the air pressure is too much and can split the deck/hull joint. Just lightly blowing into the drain hole at the back is enough.

 

[pez]

I never check it for leaks... I know where they are.