Kevin Pierce
New Member
After a recent afternoon of sailing, I noticed a small amount of water inside the hull of my previously dry 2003 hull. I sponged it out, put a shop light inside the inspection port overnight, and all was dry.
Next outing, in a light-air afternoon, another few ounces appeared. Light air meant there was no water in the mast step, none over the deck and next-to-none in the cockpit, so I could reasonably rule out problems in those areas. After sponging the water out, I inspected the bottom for obvious cracks or defects. Nothing.
In checking and removing the bailer, I found that the large o-ring between the external bailer and the hull had been removed. Silicone caulk had been used instead.
Could a leak there have been the culprit? Should I order the replacement o-ring and see if that fixes it? Or should the silicone's presence tip me off that the o-ring hadn't worked before and might not work again, making necessary another caulk job?
Any counsel would be appreciated....
Best,
Kevin
Next outing, in a light-air afternoon, another few ounces appeared. Light air meant there was no water in the mast step, none over the deck and next-to-none in the cockpit, so I could reasonably rule out problems in those areas. After sponging the water out, I inspected the bottom for obvious cracks or defects. Nothing.
In checking and removing the bailer, I found that the large o-ring between the external bailer and the hull had been removed. Silicone caulk had been used instead.
Could a leak there have been the culprit? Should I order the replacement o-ring and see if that fixes it? Or should the silicone's presence tip me off that the o-ring hadn't worked before and might not work again, making necessary another caulk job?
Any counsel would be appreciated....
Best,
Kevin