hull leak

1987 IP 27. Have a leak that is causing a steady stream of salt water under the cabin sole down the center line to the bilge. There are no through hulls (I think) forward of the center line but leak appears to be originating under the cabin sole just aft of the V berth. Have checked the lockers under the V berth and anchor locker and all are dry. lockers under the port and starboard settees are dry. My only guess is that there was a through hull for the knot meter (can't find it anywhere) and when the cabin sole was replaced, they didn't construct an access to it and it is now leaking. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your suggestion, but the leak is continual so it has to be below the water line. I will, however, take a look at the caulking under the SS plate.

Are you sure that your tanks (water and holding, in the V-berth) aren't leaking? A leak from the 30-gal. water tank might seem "continual" -- though of course it wouldn't be salt water.

There's a sink drain in the head that goes to a through-hull at the boot stripe; is that ok?

I don't think the lower bob stay tang is a through-hull fitting, but you might check it for cracks.

I do think that Hayden's suggestion about the anchor locker is a good one, though your "continual leak" point seems to refute it.

Try running some colored water (use red food coloring) from various spots (anchor locker, water tank, head sink, shower drain, and see if you can trace it.

Please let us know what you find.

Michael Luskin
"Turtleheart" IP27-146
Scarsdale, NY

Thanks for all your help. We did find the leak. Had a diver examine the hull and there was a small dime sized hole in the hull. Have no idea how that could have happened. Diver says that maybe a sharp stone was lodged between the strap and hull when it was pulled. Diver stuffed a plastic shopping bag and stopped the continual flow. Will have to pull to have the hull fixed.

I have never heard of an object in the sling causing a small hull breach. It takes an awful lot of concentrated force to put a hole in glass laminate, especially below the waterline. Regardless, don't try and pass the blame to the yard with the insurance company or give them that idea. Since many yards will have you give up your right to subrogation (the ability of the insurance company to sue or collect damages on your behalf), it could be a violation of your policy if the yard did the damage and a fight you don't want to have. You are best served by saying you have no idea, which you really don't.

Assuming you do have more than just liability coverage on the boat, you need to report it to the insurance company and get that process moving before too much time passes. Hole from submerged object is pretty much a cut and dry claim, especially when you mitigate further damage as quickly as possible. Hole caused by yard or anything that could be considered a "failure to maintain" is an uphill battle.