I bought my '79 Laser a few weeks ago and sailed it a few times now. Each time there was lots of water in the hull, so I did a soap test today and found the culprit. It seems to be the bailer hole. See the pictures attached. Bubbles were a plenty both on the bottom and in the cockpit. In fact the floor of the cockpit raised a little revealing that the brass drain isn't even connected to the cockpit.
I don't need the boat to be perfect, just dry enough for club sailing. So here's the question. If I remove the drain and clean the area and re-install it would the boat stay dry? Clearly water could enter the hull if the cockpit fills with water, but as long as water doesn't come up through the bottom of the boat, I think it would be enough. If so, what do you use to seal it? If not, what next?
I don't need the boat to be perfect, just dry enough for club sailing. So here's the question. If I remove the drain and clean the area and re-install it would the boat stay dry? Clearly water could enter the hull if the cockpit fills with water, but as long as water doesn't come up through the bottom of the boat, I think it would be enough. If so, what do you use to seal it? If not, what next?