Finding Another Leak In My Drascombe Lugger - Day 1

So with Lulu back on her trailer, where I left her after our last sea adventure. We spend the next 2 days finding and fixing all leaks she has!!!
Indeed the leak isn't what we expected but at least we find it.
We then double check the boat again and while we wait for some advice get on with a few more jobs.
Enjoy!
00:00 Painting Mochyn Du
0143 Finding some tyres!
02:43 Finding the leak!
06:19 The leak is found
07:13 Checking for more leaks
13:26 Checking the chine leak (from before)
13:35 checking the rudder bearing
15:35 Removing the battery box
17:26 testing the screw holes
18:59 Why the battery box leaked
19:31 Sealing and moving the bilge pipe
24:53 Fixing the centreboard cover screws
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[@stuartmenziesfarrant]

I admire your work ethic Dave! You are being very thorough, it will pay off eventually and Lulu will be a hardy sea-going vessel again!

[@SailingWithDave]

I agree. Its not that bad, bit of fibreglassing and a new bearing. I'm hoping to come up with something to jury rig it until the end of the season though.

[@3elmas]

You could try rubber well nuts for c/b casing top holes

[@SailingWithDave]

I'll look in to that. The classic way is to simply glass over them. I think to safe I like that idea. If you glass over enough then even if the screws loosen, no water should come in. I have seen some Luggers where they bolt through but then still glass over the bolts.

[@mutley192]

ah now this makes more sense , about the emails , epoxy it should fix it , mans 2nd best friend lol

[@SailingWithDave]

Yes. so this is actually a big weakness of the Lugger. The lower bearing is very porrly fitted. Its screwed into the hull with just 2 paltry short screws, that protrude into the lazarette. When they are knbocked about by putting tge rudder in all the time, they just come loos and eventually leave a hole where the screws were fixed in. So I think first job is to fibreglass the top up higher to take longer screws. Then get the bearing fixed better. Not sure how eay this will be to do!!!

[@anotherangleUK]

@@SailingWithDave Can you 'nut n bolt' it? Feels like a screw thread isn't suitable when you're drop[ing a heavy rudder onto it?

[@SailingWithDave]

@@anotherangleUK Well I agree, a lot of Lugger people do bolt it through and also put a 2nd rudder bearing onto the outside of the keel band. We'll see!!!

[@T7_XR]

Hi Dave, delighted i stumbled upon this video as im dealing with the same leaks on my (new to me) Lugger from 1979. Been binge watching all he rest of your great Lugger content too! I had one question if its not too much trouble, which epoxy are you using in the video? Im sure there are sevaral products suitable but the due diligence is certainly done on yours! Is it the West System stuff? Cheers, Eoghan.

[@SailingWithDave]

Hi Eoghan, many thanks for the comment, so glad its helping you. Yes I use West Systems. the 205 epoxy and I tend to use the 205 hardener, although there a few to choose from. The only difference in hardeners is the cureing time. I need 205 otherwise here in the UK, nothing would cure outside the months of June and July, although you have to get a shift on in warm weather!!! The fillers I use are mainly the 404. This is great for glueing and bonding things together. Its not bad at filleting too, however the 406 I also use but more so for better fillets. Haven't used that too much. I would definitely buy the pumps as this takes away the whole measuring issue with the epoxy and hardener. It literally transformed my epoxying, knowing that I had the right mix every time. Haven't had any bad Epoxy since!! One word of warning. "Epoxy" will stick to anything, including the "Polyester" resin the Lugger was probably made from, however when using fibreglass on the lugger make sure to get the right stuff. Some binders only dissolve with one or the other epoxy. Nearly caught me out that did!!! Although I did my battery box the wrong way and it seems fine. You can always email me if you need to. I reply as quickly as I can. Or I would recommend the Drascombe Forum. Its only £15 per year to join and you get access to the forum which is quite active and full of tips and advice. I'm quite active on there too!!!

[@T7_XR]

@@SailingWithDave Thanks so much for the comprehensive response Dave! Great to have a community around these boats. My last boat was 1 of 1 in Ireland and no forums or such luxuries so thats a great shout, i'll definitely join the DA and get onto the forums. The more i tinker with her in the garden the more queries i have and i guess these boats have been around long enough for everyone to have tried something at least once and many mistakes made. Keep up with the fantastic content!

[@SailingWithDave]

@@T7_XR Oh yes. they all have their modifications and their battle scars!!! But they are great boats. so sold and stable.

[@anotherangleUK]

Fingers crossed that's sorted the leak, the water was coming in rather quick. Can you get access to that metal bit which is loose? Does the keel band have to come off to get at it?

[@SailingWithDave]

Yes at one stage I was quite worried about it. Interestingly, the boat ended up floating during the night and filled up with water. Took me ages to pump her out before I could get her on the trailer!!!