New Trick learned

[Paul]

I've been reading The Complete Trailer Sailor and found a nifty paragraph for going after those above deck leaks. As you know these leaks can come from any bolt, screw, seam, etc that goes through the upper part of the hull. In addition, a leak may travel some distance before finding another hole where it can enter the cabin area. These are hard to track down.

The author makes a tripple thick cardboard piece to replace one of his passageway boards. He then seals up the inner part of the boat and places the boards and cardboard piece in place, duct taping the joints to seal these as well. After sliding the hatch shut and sealing it a leaf blower is inserted into a hole in the cardboard and turned on. While it pressurizes the inside of the hull he uses soapy water on the deck, looking for soap bubbles to form - and that's where the leak is.

Sounds like a simple soap solution to me!

[CaptainScott]

Coool idea! I love it!

Scott

[sharps4590]

Now that's clever.

[Jmckamey]

Cool! That's how leak checks are preformed on pressurized aircraft after some types of repair or replacements. Never thought about doing the same on a boat. You would have to move a lot of air in order to over come the the cockpit lockers and hatches that are not sealed all that tight to start with, and on the C22 the fuel tank compartment is open to the cabin. Just reach up as high as you can in that compartment and you can stick your hand over the top of the bulkhead, at least I can in mine. I stuffed the open area above the flotation foam with bubble wrap to help seal it off.

[lecker68]

We used that 20 years ago on auto but we only used the heater blower. A leaf blower is a good modification and the idea does work we used it on cars and conversion vans and it makes nice big bubbles when using nice soap rich soapy water.

[RedCanyon]

Paul,

That's a damned good idea. I never thought of it and I really appreciate you sharing!!