I have a '76 boat and have been plagued by a small water leak(s) that despite using the air/soap method could not find. The mast step would hold water etc. Others had conjectured leaks at the cockpit drain fitting
I run a auto repair shop and we recently purchased a smoke machine that is needed to find leaks in the fuel evaporative system and intake leaks in today's low emission vehicles. We can regulate the pressure to a max of 1.5 psi.
Using it on my boat with as little as 0.5 psi I found that the sealed inspection ports weren't, the sealed cockpit grab rail screws weren't (yes I do capsize
), and the mast step was in fact leaking - haven't found exactly where yet. Years ago I had already dug out the old donut and reinforced the step and tube with resin and carbon fiber strands.
These machines aren't cheap ($ 1,000 - $2,000) but if you have a good relationship with a high end repair shop who owns one of these machines (also called an evap tester), they might do it as a favor or for not too much money. Or maybe there's something similar but less sophisticated for less money through online auctions
I run a auto repair shop and we recently purchased a smoke machine that is needed to find leaks in the fuel evaporative system and intake leaks in today's low emission vehicles. We can regulate the pressure to a max of 1.5 psi.
Using it on my boat with as little as 0.5 psi I found that the sealed inspection ports weren't, the sealed cockpit grab rail screws weren't (yes I do capsize
), and the mast step was in fact leaking - haven't found exactly where yet. Years ago I had already dug out the old donut and reinforced the step and tube with resin and carbon fiber strands.These machines aren't cheap ($ 1,000 - $2,000) but if you have a good relationship with a high end repair shop who owns one of these machines (also called an evap tester), they might do it as a favor or for not too much money. Or maybe there's something similar but less sophisticated for less money through online auctions
