Weight Effect On Taking In Water

Our 1999 H-18SX port hull takes in 1 or 2 gallons when the boat has a 600-700 lbs. crew. It takes in a quart or two when the boat has a 330 lbs. crew in similar wind/wave condidtions.

We have air tested and found no leaks...regardless, we have used marine silicone sealant around the grundgeons and drain plugs...around the port holes...around the through rivets along the tramp and around the through bolts and around the plates that hold the crossbars and shrouds. We have used sealant and marinetex along the daggerboard pocket.

Where is it that water could push through the fiberglass...where it wouldn't under less weight? Has anyone else experienced this...and found a solution? Thanks.

John,
Have you bubble tested it upside down to really check the topcap to hull connections? It sounds like the sideload from the heavier crew may be opening a crack under the lip. Likely areas are at the crossbars, especially the rear which is unsupported. With heavier crew the boat will ride lower which increases the pressure of water trying to enter the hull. I have also found small openings at the bow under the lip, hard area to get too.

X2

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Thanks for the responses. I am posting this to the H18 Forum also.