Small Leak around Keel

[mkwmson]

In mid April I purchased an 81 DS1 and I finally had an opportunity to take the boat out the Sat before last and again last Sat. Both times I noticed maybe 1 to 1.5 gal of water that had accumulated in the bottom of the boat. We did not take any water over the side nor did we bring that much on board when shoved off. Anyway, it appears to me that the leak may be around the swing keel lever due to a bad seal, gasket, whatever.

Can anyone weigh in as to whether this is the first place to begin my search. Also, if it turns out to be a crack (no visable signs) in the hull or trunk, how much damage can I do if I sail the boat all summer with the intention of fixing in the fall/winter?

I also have one other concern with some damage topsides right up against the starboard chainplate. I will take a picture and post with my question this evening.

By the way, I am a beginner sailor without experience on any boat smaller than a colgate 26, and the DS1 was an absolute blast! It healed over nicely a couple of times (and scared me and my daughters to death) but it held there nicely and had us wanting more. We can't wait to go again.

[GreenLake]

Most likely it's a slow drip from the centerboard gasket as you suspect. Try tightening any screws/bolts. That stopped mine last time it leaked. If that doesn't help, try replacing the gasket - searching around the forum should locate lots of helpful details on that topic in earlier posts.

As you're new, I'd encourage you to spend some time reading as much as you can of the stuff on this site - I found much of it very helpful when I was new.

[seandwyer]

mkwmson,

I think it might be possible that a little water is coming in around your drain plug too. If you are using a metal one, try putting a piece of teflon tape around the threads.

More than likely it is the center board. A little water dribbles out and down everytime I put the ceter board down - but it doesn't seem to leak after that - but I look for that to begin since it apparently isn't perfect!

Good luck!

[mkwmson]

Thanks for the input. I will tighten everything up prior to this weekend and see how that does.

I have been reading everything I can get on this site. I enjoy it even if I might not have a specific issue related to the various posts. In fact I have been reading a good number of both your posts. I don't believe that I have found another website that contains as much useful and entertaining info (at least entertaining to me).

On to the drain plug, I did read your thread on that issue several weeks ago. So I went looking for drain plugs on my boat (by the way, is now named "Wet Willy", thanks to my daughters). I only have the plug below the transom astern, and it is a rubber compression plug. While sailing, all the water is amidship around the truck anyway.

Thanks again, Mike