Introduction and question

[a_zailor_is_praying]

Hi all.  I just picked up a 1982 compact 16.  It's the first sailboat I've ever owned. My question is about looking in the bilge.  I see a lot of posts about these older boats having leaks, people finding and fixing leaks, etc.  I'd like to know of all the places I need to look for water building up after I take her out for the first time tomorrow.  And of course most importantly,  how to get it out.  A cross section view or similar diagram would be very helpful.
Thanks in advance!

[Yamaha33410]

I wouldn't be worried about hull leaks being in the water, maybe a drip here and there from the cockpit drains...

most leaks are from bedded hardware or the hull to deck joint, you can test with a garden hose soaking them down on the outside and look on the inside from the top down for water intrusion


the actual hull part is very solid and not very problematic, especially for water intrustion unless you have user created damage, and that would be pretty evident

[a_zailor_is_praying]

Yamaha,
It's not so much where the water comes from, but where it goes that I am concerned about.

[Bob23]

   Zack...may I call you Zack? As the self appointed grand poo-bah of the forum, allow me to welcome you to this zany group of some of the best misfits you'll ever meet! Normally I collect the initiation fee of $5000.00 in small unmarked bills from new comers but after a few glasses of wine with dinner tonight, I'm feeling mighty generous so today is Free Friday! No charge...but don't let it get around.
   You will love your 16 and I can think of no better first sailboat than a Compac 16. I myself am a 23 owner which is the big sister to the 16. If the 16  has a bilge in the aft part of the keel than a  bilge pump would be in order. Not sure if the 16's came with a manual pump? I'm sure there are many 16 blabbermouths here just waiting to chime in if I'd only shut my trap!
      Welcome!!

[JBC]

Zack, welcome to world of ComPac. Fun boat, I've owned three over the years. Just to add one bit of info to the other points made. I WOULD be concerned if your boat leaks while in the water on a dry day. My early 80s boat leaked at the scuppers that drain the cockpit. The leaks were below the cockpit floor and resulted from water backing in the scuppers while boat was in the water. Turned out resealing around transom holes where scuppers exit fixed that. Water that gets in the bilge stays down there until you get it out. Sponge and bucket or manual pump worked for me (bow of boat raised on trailer, pumped out at stern).

But I hear Bob can sell you a bilge pump, for about $5000 I think!

Jett

[a_zailor_is_praying]

Okay so I tip the boat up and water will flow to the stern.  And I can get it out by uncovering the the hole where the battery is and pumping or sponging.  Is that right?

[a_zailor_is_praying]

Also how does that get out water that gets into the keel?  or is the keel completely sealed off?

[JBC]

Yes to your first question. Keel question is tricky. On my older 16 boats the concrete at the top of the keel was somewhat flakey. I sealed as best as I could by removing any loose stuff and then painting with a garage floor sealant. If I remember, I then put back plywood panel on floor with carpet. There are some discussions also on this forum on draining keels. I didn't have to do that. There was no sign of leaks at keel.

My current 16 3 has a tight floor panel and though the boat gets some water from rain/snow melt (it stays parked outside), I have not had any reason to pull the floor. Most of the water that gets in heads to the stern because I park it somewhat jacked up at bow.

[a_zailor_is_praying]

So how will I know if I need to pull the floor?  Currently it's covered with carpet and probably some plywood flooring as well.

[JBC]

Check out discussion and a few pics beginning Sept. 27, 2011, How 2 pump out bilge water. Maybe that will help with your questions.  In the meantime get the boat in the water and see if there are any serious leak issues. If not, have fun sailing!