[C320-list] Chasing Leaks, yes starting that convo

[Allan Field]

Jacob - I have never tried this strategy but others have told me that it
often works for finding boat leaks. What you would do is replace the
vertical part of the main hatch with a piece of plywood and shut the
horizontal part of the main hatch. With something like duct or preservation
tape, seal the hatch to prevent air from getting in or out. Cut a hole into
the plywood just large enough to accept the working end of a leaf blower.
Push the working end through the hole, seal around the hole with something
like duct tape. With the leaf blower in the cockpit, pressurize the
interior of the boat with the blower. Have a bucket of soapy water and pour
that water over different fittings, portlights, hatches, etc. to see if you
get air bubbles (something like a paint brush may work better than
pouring?). Air bubbles = source of a leak. What I don't know is how long it
would take to pressurize the boat sufficiently to make this work. And the
underside of the fittings inside the boat would need to be open to the
pressurization.

Leaks can be just awful to find. As I am sure you know, the leak can be at
the stem and the water runs to the stern before you see it! Hope this
helps!

Allan S. Field
Sea Shadow - C387, #103 (formerly C320, #808)
Columbia, MD


On Fri, Mar 22, 2024 at 8:27 PM Jacob Lang via C320-list <
c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

> I may regret starting this thread but I’m curious. While my boat is in the
> water I believe my keel bolts were slightly weeping. The boat is out on the
> hard now and I’m addressing the slight cracks on the front of the keel
> using gflex and then additionally I’m resealing the washers around the keel
> bolts.
>
> However, my real questions start with what I’m still chasing. I seem to
> have a fresh water coming in during storms. It’s been about three months
> that it’s been on the hard so the accumulation of about 2 to 3 gallons is a
> bit concerning. I think I’ve traced a leak down to at least one window. (
> the one in the cockpit starboard side facing aft). However that can’t be
> the only source. Anyone have any ideas to start tracing? I’m wondering if
> the lockers are leaking to the bilge. Any thoughts to begin the hunt would
> be appreciated.
>
> VR
> Jacob