Hull leaks

[chasb47]

I have an Alacrity 19. Been in a dock for about two weeks. It was taking on water and I installed a 500gph Rule pump. It keeps up but seems to be pumping more water at every cycle.

How much water do boats take on? I don't mean from rain. I was told there was a leak in the keels when I bought it and the PO just pumped it out.

At the marina, other owners say all boats leak. This is my first experience with a boat at a permanent dock. Always trailered before.

Thanks

[Ulladh]

If the leak is under control with the pump, and you are comfortable that you have a reliable power source, and the leak is slow enough, just keep pumping and go sailing. Don't leave the boat unattended for more than a day or two, you could lose power or the pump may fail.

This is a priority item to find the leak and fix for the fall haul-out. Others will give advise on dropping the keel, replacing keel bolts.........

[WDS123]

An inch or two if water in the bilge after a week isn't much.

[CorvetteGuy]

A 19 foot boat are there any through hull fittings? if so check on them

[chasb47]

Yeah. I really want to keep sailing. I check every day. I think I will get another battery and do a rotation every week of so.

I estimate a 75 amp hour battery should keep the pump going for about 3-4 weeks.

[Ulladh]

You could get a solar trickle charger;

Coleman 6 Watt Solar Battery Trickle Charger : Target


to keep the battery topped up.

I have a salvaged panel from a back yard pond pump that keeps the battery fully charged when not in use.

[sawingknots]

my boat never accumulates water in the bilge,except on a rare occasion when theres a heavy blowing rain from the stern [around the hatch]and then only maybe 2 inches,the snuffing box drip apparently evaperates,i've saw some boats that the bilge pump kicks on quite often and i've also saw forlorn masts sticking up form the depths below,i don't see why a properly maintained fiberglass boat needs to leak and i would be very worried if mine did

[chasb47]

I agree that it is probably too much. I bought another battery, Walmart. the only thing on it is the pump. I like the idea of the solar charger. Will consider that too. I will do a complete go over when I pull it.


I originally planned on traillering. Now that I have a dock close by I want to leave it in and sail every day.

Thanks for all the advice. You folks are great for newbies like me.

[sawingknots]

no problem chas,i would try to get/figure exactly how much leakage you have,perhaps you can check often for a few days atleast if it gets too much you can haul it out on a trailor easily

[SloopJonB]

Originally Posted by chasb47

I agree that it is probably too much. I bought another battery, Walmart. the only thing on it is the pump. I like the idea of the solar charger. Will consider that too. I will do a complete go over when I pull it.

I originally planned on traillering. Now that I have a dock close by I want to leave it in and sail every day.

Thanks for all the advice. You folks are great for newbies like me.

You could try putting it on the trailer and then filling the bilge with water - some food colouring helps. Then watch from outside to see where the water leaks out.

An Alacrity is small enough that the trailer should take the weight of water and it may save an unnecessary keel removal.