I'm almost done with the restoration of my sunfish and was wondering how to pressure test it before launching it next spring. I had to put 3 inspection ports in, unfortunately, because of moisture and problems getting the hardware back on due to rotted wood. If someone could explain how to pressure test a sunfish I would appreciate it.
If you search the Forum, you will find that there are a lot of variations on the theme. It's important to remember that just a little pressure is all you want. And don't forget to tape the little hole under the lip of the cockpit.
Common leak areas are daggerboard well, mast step, bailer and stern drain plug. Good news is that boat sails great even with water in it . And I've had some experience with that! One boat had a crushed soft spot on keel we didn't notice (roller damage) and the other had a gap between the cockpit floor and hull at bailer fitting. Both were fixed and happily sailing...
Just read another tip, use a leaf blower to get air into hull. Folks might be more likely to have this vs a compressor. Also air is low pressure but has good volume