I have a new problem:
In that miniature bilge just forward of the rudder post, I now have a small leak that is constant. The drip is tiny - almost unnoticeable - about 1 small drop per minute.
My first plan of attack was to patch the leak with sealant - just to stop the leak for a few hours - and then fiberglass over it in that miniature bilge, until I can haul the boat out next year, drop the rudder and fix the leak permanently from the outside.
Unfortunately, water under pressure (since it is below the waterline) is VERY persistent about finding ways around the sealants I've tried so far (plumber's epoxy, gorilla glue and super glue).
I'm afraid that if I try to simply fiberglass over it, that the water leak will push its way through the glass and resin, just like it's done with all the sealants I've tried.
West Marine staff said it was a waste of time to try to patch it from the inside, that it will keep finding or making new holes and that I have to pull the rudder (even if it's in the water) and patch it permanently from the outside.
Has this happened to any of you? How were you able to solve it? Can it be done without hauling the boat (spelled $$$)?
I just need a temp solution that will last till next regular haulout.
Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263
Ben,
sounds like you are going to have to bite the bullet and fix it the right way i.e. haul the boat. when a situation like what you are describing occurs some people (me) are tempted to make a temp solution but in the long run i have found that it is better to address the real issue to make the correction the proper way. anything else is a waste of time and money.. fwiw
Mike Hogan
s/v Ciscocat #226
Mark I XP25, std rig
Boat Life products come to mind this is a link to something that might work actually for the caulk water spray is something you do to cure their caulk as well
[url]http://boatlife.com/life-calk/lifecalk-emergency-kit.html[/url]
PS Have you actually found the leak?
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
Yes, I found it....just haven't totally stopped it.
The gorilla glue has slowed it down though. I'm thinking the reason it slowed the leak is because of small particles of plankton, sand, and such getting trapped in the almost microscopic flow and partially plugging the leak.
The key issue is whether or not to even attempt to temporarily (for a year) plug it from the inside of the boat.
I'll check out that product and see it if was intended for such. Thanks.
Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263
Ben, since you found the leak, Gary's suggestion is a good one. If it was my boat, I'd buy some [B][I]fast hardening[/I][/B] MarineTex and slather it over the leak. Your boat, your choice of materials. Good luck.
Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)
I finally got this leak stopped.
I spoke with Warren at Catalina Engineering, who thought it would be possible to stop the leak from the inside.
Then the trick was to find ALL the sources of the leak. I now believe there were several pin-hole leaks in the rudder shaft tube. I had to cut away about 1 inch square piece of fiberglass from the mini-bilge next to the rudder tube to get at the last leak. This did NOT look structural. See attached pics.
The best product I found for doing this is West Marine's Epoxy Putty Stick. Hardens in about 10 minutes.
The trick is to put it on and then keep re-pressing it until it starts hardening. Otherwise, it doesn't stick well. (This is in their instructions.)
Now that the mini-bilge is dry, I will fiberglass over the whole area for strength.
Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263