cabin sole

[Jim Kloss]

I'm about to cut access hatches in the cabin sole to the port and aft of the dagger board trunk to search for a persistent and serious leak. (I've damaged the board box with more than one close encounter with the reef but I can't see any flaws with the board removed). Has anyone else done this? Are there ribs or stringers I should avoid cutting? I'll use a rototool, so I won't need to cut deeper than the glass itself.

Jim Kloss
s/v Ambivalence
S2 7.9 #8

[AJ Oliver]

Hmmm, I'd try for as much non-destructive testing as possible before you start cutting.
Maybe borrow one of those little cameras on a flexi-stick (sic?) to inspect from the
port in front of the board trunk, and up inside the trunk with the board out.

http://www.toolup.com/Ridgid-40043-Micr ... aQodf0oDHA

[Pete]

AJ has a good idea. Also, I'm not sure what you'll find if you cut holes in the cabin sole. There's a large slab of lead sitting between the cabin floor and the hull. This lead serves as the internal ballast and is about 1200 lbs. so it'll be quite large. You may cut a large hole only to find lead. Have you pulled the board to see if you can find damage in the trunk ?

[Jim Kloss]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Yes, I have pulled the board and inspected the trunk for damage. My repairs (mainly to the front of the box) seem to be intact. I can also examine the starboard side of the box pretty well, but there is much less clearance on the port side.

Thanks for the heads up about the lead ballast. I will drill pilot holes to make sure I'm not going to find nothing but a solid piece of lead.

She's leaking badly enough that it ought to be visible, but .... The leak also seems to be variable which also puzzles me.

Jim Kloss
s/v Ambivalence
S2 7.9 #8

[Stef]

Does the leak vary when the board is up or down?

I like the camera idea too.

[AJ Oliver]

And another trick, which you likely know, but in case not . .

With the boat on the hard, pour water into the bilge, and watch where it comes out.