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I know you did an episode on boat leaks , but I can’t find it. We have two or three slow small leaks in the salon bilge and in the stern bilge in the lazerette. We resaearched and came up with 3 M 5200. I would appreciate suggestions as it is wet but dryng with heat gun so wet application. We had a new cutless bearing installed about a month ago and at first thought maybe it needed to be tighten. She is a 1998 NT, but new boat to us, so we don’t really know her yet. Will this fix get us until October or should she come out on the hard to fix on the outside? The cement in the keel is exposed and wet also. In reading the boat logs, never disclosed, there was damage to the keel and the cement was removed and refilled. I am trying not to panic. Thank you for yr thoughts! We learn more from other boat owners.
Hi Susan,
Normally I would advise steering clear of 5200, also known as the devil’s glue. Once it’s on it’s difficult to remove and takes 21 days to cure properly. However it sounds like you have an emergency so you use what you can and might be the best solution for your predicament in the short term.
However I’m not sure I understand where the leak is coming from. Can you explain more, or are you saying you are not sure either? If you have a crack in the keel then you need to haul to repair from the outside, but while in the water you might want to identify exactly where it is coming from.
If we don’t grease our rudder stock then that can leak from the lazarette and into the boat, as one example. Another example: we have a keel-stepped mast and that can leak when it rains. But it sounds like you are applying the 5200 to specific areas that you think are leaking. Can you describe this in more detail? If I’m understanding right you have a crack somewhere in the keel, in which case you should haul and inspect at the earliest opportunity.
Peace and fair winds!
Hi again, about eight inches from stern transom , floor of bilge in the lazarette is the first leak. Used epoxy from west marine, but still leaking trickle. second leak is definately from new shaft seal/ new cutlass bearing about a month ago. Third leak trickle is half way between shaft seal and the lazarette on cement flat area which is raised.
update< I dread saying this,but I think the water is seeping up from the concrete ballast that fills the keel. which is actually open and visable cement. I have been researching like crazy and it seems possible that freeze frost may have broken down the concrete ballast. it is definately intimidating to think of cutting open the keel on the hard and letting it drain, garboard plug ?, new ballast. Has anyone done this? Also a tiny bit leaking from drive shaft cutless bearing, and leak in lazzerette floor.
Sorry for my late reply, Susan. This must be a worry for you.
If it were me I would haul out at the earliest opportunity. You need to inspect this from the outside to examine the severity of the issue. I know this will eat into your cruising time but this is more important.
I haven’t dealt with this kind of problem before but I think anyone you ask will agree that you should haul first to inspect further. Once out the water you’ll be able to call in anyone who can assist you.
The one thing to keep you positive is that most problems on boats are fixable. How much and how long to fix it you won’t know until you’re out the water.
Please keep us posted on your progress and how it goes, and post up any further questions you may have. Good luck!
Peace and fair winds!
I remember in our second year of sailing losing an entire summer of cruising thanks to ongoing gearbox issues. It was particularly frustrating as my parents had come to visit.
Another time when we had to put in a new engine we were out of action for almost six months.
I’m just saying there are times when you have to prioritise and cut your cruising time to tend to maintenance issues. In the longer term, however, you’ll feel better for having dealt with the issue.
Peace and fair winds!
hiya, we are at the marina and changing out the batteries to agm absorbant glass mat, new battery charger, and adding starter battery. I have contacted the factory who made the boat in 1995 and awaiting guidence on water issue. We are not going any where for awhile, lol. And yes the water still comes in at same inch pace. I would have chosen to haul out, but my captain has chosen to wait. I have regained my sense of humor as a coping skill in my hour need. I will keep you updated on the progress. Thank you for the flooring compliment ! We did the whole interior sole for about 1000 diy Defender Nautikflor compared to the 5600 quote for Amtico ( which does look better in person) but is good enough for us.
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