Found Leak Below Rear Crossbar at Slug

Passing on great news...that after 2 seasons of too much water in the port hull...and not finding the leak with many trys...we found it after dis-assembling the rear crossbar from the port hull...the crack was behind the slug below the lip where the 9/16's nut is held.

We never saw soap bubbles when we tested near there. I don't think we could ever really see behind the slug.

Now if we can get a pair of used daggerboards!

Outside or inside??? It's more common on the outside but happens on both sides.

To fix it you'll need to install a hullport behind the rear crossbar so you can access the inside to repair the cracks by installing several layers of fiberglass. Order "Curved" Hull Ports (screw-in type) as the hull is curved. Install the hullport so that you can reach the underside of the crossbar and also reach the transom on the inside. If you ever break off a gudgeon screw you can reach it from the inside w/ visegrips or just remove the whole gudgeon backing plate and replace it.

Or you can just cut-out a patch on the in-board side of the hull .... a 15* bevel (like carving a pumpkin) using a jig saw works well .... fix the cracks at the crossbar ... then re-install the cut-out patch and re-skin/fair/gelcoat.

Been there ... done both methods ....

_________________
HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

Yipes...we used silicone sealant and put everything back together...we'll see how long it lasts...hopefully all sailing season. Thanks for the tips.

It all depends on the cause and extent of the damage. Certain years of the 18s were prone to failure of the hull/deck joint (mid '80s). My boat developed some considerable cracking at the crossbar joints and required fiberglass work inside and out- no way silicone caulk would suffice. It also leaked like a seive until I fixed it.
It sounds like you've probably only got a small, isloated crack. But it still may be worthwhile to give the entire boat a look-over at the crossbar/hull connections to make sure it's not something more sever.

sm