There goes that sinking feeling again!

[CurtTampa]

Having survived the pinhole leak in shaft log it felt good to be sailing again. Winds 12-15 moderate chop in Tampa Bay I was in for some good sailing. Solo for the day and pleased that the shaft log repair seemed to be correct - as well as all the rudder and steering quadrant cables performing as they did pre repairs. I enjoyed some long tacks both port and starboard across the bay. When it came time to think about going home I leveled out on a reach. Thats when I heard the sound of water discharge exiting the bilge. The pump would run for about 20 seconds and stop. Resuming again every minute or so. I've always tried to have a mental checklist that I review as a drill of what I would do during various if and when scenarios. My taking on water mental checklist was quickly replaced with sheer panic when i went below and saw the wet cabin sole. Immediate best guess was that godforsaken shaft log let lose! Quick check of the shaft and aft bilge indicated all good - not a drop of water.  While I had my head in the lazzerette I checked the engine cooling thruhull and the head direct discharge - all dry and tight. Checked my heading locked the wheel and went below. Frantically i pulled th v berth cushions and checked a thruhull speedo and transducer - nothing. All dry. Now I'm nervous! I thought maybe the water tank hose was leaking but that area was also dry. I decided to to taste the water - please be fresh I thought. Nope. Damn it. Saltwater!  Checking the side berth reveled each of the compartments both sides had about an inch of water sloshing around. I decided i needed to either get to shallow water or dock asap. It must be coming up from the keel I thought. Of course thats why its amidships. But how!?!?!? Did I hit something during pounding the chop? Did a previous blister repair open up? Cracked keel? All this and more racing through my mind as headed for the dock. Wait a minute...I havent heard the bilge running since I entered the channel. Batteries cant be dead...nope fully charged. Has the leak stopped? This is crazy. The water is gone.  I pull into the slip tie off and go over every inch of everything. Double checking the aft compartments I see the hose to the discharge fitting from the sink has a split in it. My guess is when I was clubbing my big feet around while reassembling the steering quadrant I must of put pressure on the rather flimsy 28 year old hose. Now all to obvious is that when I was dipping the rail the normally above water line fitting was now a hole in my boat. Sitting level on her lines no leak. So if you havent checked that hose it might be time. I'm open for suggestions on how best to valve that fitting.

[deisher6]

Hey Curt:
Always appreciate your blogs.  They cause me to look around when working on the boat.  Windrunner is on the hard now.  Along with fresh bottom paint, I am replacing the original bronze shaft with SS.  After looking closely at pitting on the shaft log I am replacing.  Knowing that the rudder has some serious delimitation replacing that too.

Might look at the standing rigging next haul out.

It is about time that you have some uneventful sailin'.

Thanks again.

regards charlie

[wes]

Curt - yep, I noticed those flimsy original drain hoses during my 27 restoration work. Mine had not split, but they were obviously a weak point. I removed and replaced with a much higher quality hose, Trident Vac XHD bilge/livewell hose. $2.09/ft from Defender; takes about 8' to do both the galley and head sinks. Cheap insurance and an easy installation job. Go ahead and replace the hose clamps too, I suggest the AWAB smooth band type.

I don't see any need for valving these, FYI.

Wes

[CurtTampa]

Glad to keep you on your toes Charlie! The list is endless. Thanks for the hose specs Wes - it's now on the shopping list.

[wes]

Oops, you need the 3/4" size, forgot to mention that.

[deisher6]

Just got back from doing some boat work.  While in the portside cockpit locker noted that the sink through hull has a valve on it.  It may very well be an aftermarket installation.  Windrunner was a charter boat and valves on all through hulls might be a USCG requirement.

regards charlie

[CurtTampa]

Although I agree with Wes - not required - I am inclined to valve it for peace of mind.