Leaking 26

[arefftx]

My 1990 Mac 26 is leaking somewhere. I checked the sink & ballast tank but that isn't the problem......any ideas? If the rudder isn't down would that have any effect?

[kmclemore]

Well, can you tell us more about where you're seeing the water? And is your boat a 26X or 26M?

Most often the leaks occur at the chain plates (the metal straps sticking up from the sides of the boat that hold the wires going to each side of the mast), the through-hull connections for the sinks, the hole where the control cables and steering arm comes out of the transom and from the base of the binnacle where the cables go down into the boat from the steering head. More rarely leaks have also been seen from the screws holding the hatch slide rails and from the caulking inside the cockpit lazarettes (cubbys). It is extremely rare to see a ballast tank leak... in fact, I don't recall a single example. The rudder position would have no impact on leaks.

[arefftx]

What determines the X vs M?

[kmclemore]

My mistake - you said 1990 - so it's probably a 26S (swing keel) or 26D (dagger board).

[arefftx]

OK 26D

[arefftx]

If the center board is not in the down position when the boat is in the water would that cause water to enter the bilge area?

[kmclemore]

No, it should have no affect.

Again, where, exactly are you seeing the water?

[FinallySailing]

Yes, it really does help to know where you see the water and when it occurs.

[arefftx]

The water is building up in the bilge on both port & starboard I am pumping out up to 3 gallons each day. Every day I return to the boat the water is back toad out 2" level. It is taking in serious water. The sink drain is dry, the ballast clog is also dry. It is in Puget Sount & and has a salt taste so I assume it is coming from outside seawater, hope this helps! Is there anywhere around the toilet that is exposed to water entry?

[arefftx]

This is a serious water buildup in the bilges port & starboard. I am pumping out over 2 gallons every day. The boat its in the water at a Marina in Puget Sound (Salt Water) I tasted the water & it tastes salty. Is there any area connected to the toilet that has a water intake, again the sink drain & ballast drains areas are all dry.

[Russ]

I'm not familiar with the 26D.

Start with thru hull fittings. Anything that drains water in/out is suspect. The dagger board has a trunk right? Check around there for leaks. Dagger board cable? Check that.
Is there an inspection port under the ladder? Look there.

Are you sure it's sea water? Any rain lately?

Good luck. You are going to have to look for all entry points. Hardware and such below the waterline is suspect.

[arefftx]

The boat is a Mac 26 (1990 Vintage) I didn't know it had any other Letters on the Model but some on here suggested it may be a D because it has a dagger board.


Thanks Russ for all the good suggestions...............Haven't had much rain lately but it does rain here a lot!

Now I am leaving the centerboard down and that seems to minimize the water coming in...........