26x water leaks

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bjorn.sjoling
26x water leaks

I was getting a puddle in the aft berth section after every bit of rainfall, under the steering pedestal. PO had left copious quantities of badly applied goop so I cleaned all that up. Much to my dismay it appeared to have no effect.
The other day, whilst going a bit mad with the grinder and cutting out a large section of cockpit seating above the port fuel locker, upon removal of said piece I saw another horror story. the bottom of the fuel lockers are merely glued to the 'wall' section... ie the lip that stops the tank from flopping out. On our original 26x of '96, the caulk had parted like the red sea, allowing any wet to just slip in to the labyrinth of termite like shells that make up these boats. It seems obvious now that this was probly where my puddles were sourced, and a fair bit of the bilge slush too. As I complete this wee task I'll try to get some photos up (html editor is down). I wonder how many suffer this?

In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice; In practice, there is.

simon.lill
Re: 26x water leaks

I will check this lip on out 99X , no leaks but want to check the sealent, but I was more curious as to what you were doing with the grinder as I have thought of trying to make lift up seats above the lockers......were you thinking the same ?

bjorn.sjoling
Re: 26x water leaks

Hi guys
yes.. I have a lovely lift up seat bit just like a real yacht :lol:
I'm putting a 75l fuel tank inside down by the transom. This frees up the lockers for fenders n warps n general cockpit clutter. Also, in the bottom of the locker I cut another hole and put in a sealed ally box for a 4kg gas bottle. I find that space down there very wasted, so these two mods free up alot of very useful space.
Obviously putting a petrol tank inside is something that needs to be carefully considered. Still, I like the idea of getting the weight down. Any visitors staying aboard will have to sleep across on a blow up mattress. We don't ever use our rear cushions since sorting out the vee berth.
cheers

In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice; In practice, there is.

simon.lill
Re: 26x water leaks

Intrested to see any pic if possible Si :shock: , what type of hinge did you use ?

I have one of my fuel tanks under the capt seat on the floor below the step, was thinking of creating a box to allow you to stand above it, I was worried about the weight but from what your suggesting with your tank in the transom I think I will be ok ?

bjorn.sjoling
Re: 26x water leaks

I think I've found a work-around..
try: http://www.macgregorowners.org.uk/gallery/displayimage.php?album=34&pos=2
piccs say a 1000 words :-)

In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice; In practice, there is.

simon.lill
Re: 26x water leaks

Really cleat pics, got me really thinking about this mod now, the lid looks quite thin but this could be deseptive, being a heavy bloke :oops: I was wondering if it would flex under my weight when cut away and hinged back as a lid ?

bjorn.sjoling
Re: 26x water leaks

It's pretty thick. If you're overly worried you can always add 'legs' to the lip.
I made the lip by getting somw 2"x1", wrapping it with woven fibreglass, then with a bag on my hand I work/smear the resin in so I get a hard edged waterproof batten. This I've bonded in with sikaflex. I'll add a little more grp later, mainly to close the skins. ( my deck is balsa laminate).
will take more shots and post it on my site when done. Looking forward to using it :)

In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice; In practice, there is.