Water in the hull

So yesterday we pulled out the 14 for the summer. As we were lifting it off the trailer we could feel and hear the water sloshing around. So we drained the hull and I would say there was 1-2 gallons. I find it hard to believe that we didn't notice this when putting the boat away for winter, and I don't know how water could have gotten in it when it is sitting under our deck(partially exposed), on the trailer and covered. Right now we are leaving the plugs open so the hulls can get some air. Now for only that small amount of water should we bother trying to find the leak, or just don't worry about it? Thanks

anyone?

The Hobie 20 North American Championships are going on this week, so several of the more experienced/vocal people are there.

Do you keep the plugs out all of the time, or did you leave them in all winter. I seem to remember talk about the hulls sucking in air, condensing it, and then "breathing" it out if the plugs are left in (as the temperature rises and falls). You should always keep the plugs out when not in use.

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1984 H16 - #80541

I don't believe you're going to get that much water from condensation. My initial thought is you probably left it stored with water in the hulls. If you drain it and the next time you go out and you are still taking on more than 1-2 gallons of water, you should try to find the leak. Prime suspects would be the bow tangs, deck lip, and the crossbar stanchions, assuming of course a visible inspection of the hulls don't reveal any obvious breaches. I agree with JRagg that you should still leave the drain plugs out when storing.

ok that's what I was thinking, I will just keep using it and if I notice any more water I will find the leak. I did leave the plugs in during the winter so next time I'll leave them open. What about storing it in between sailing? Should I leave it open then too?

I always store my Hobies with the drain plugs out and the trailer tongue elevated. With the temperatures we get in Oklahoma, my biggest worry is heating up the air inside my airtight hulls and blowing something up. I know I'm probably being overly cautious, but I believe in having minimum interior hull pressure.

Well the hulls aren't really airtight, they have a vent hole. But better safe than sorry.

get some good soapy water in a spray bottle, pressurize the hull very slightly (you dont want to blow it up, so just a couple psi is good), the nlook for bubbles. We did it with my 14 (79 standard, since converted to turbo) and it worked wonders. The other day, we flipped it over in the water in order to work on the mast. Had the problem hull completely submerged, and when we pulled the boat out and drained it, 2 drops came out. We used fiberglass resin, applied via syringe (no needle), and used an old air mattress pump to create a vacuum inside, drawing the resin into the cracks.

yeah I know that I was just wondering if i needed to do that for just a small amount of water.