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

[Stephen Cox]

You would need to block the two engine room vents on the transom to make 
this idea work well.

Stephen Cox
Tegwen #1141
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23 Mar 2024 12:26:19 Allan Field via C320-list 
<c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>:

> Jacob - I have never tried this strategy but others have told me that 
> it
> often works. What you do is replace the vertical part of the main hatch
> with a piece of plywood and shut the horizontal part of the main hatch. 
> 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 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