Water leak detection

Well I was baffled on how I was getting water in from rain but after using a hose for about 5 hours I was unable to find any substantial leaks. I remember a technique from a magazine I read years ago about pressurizing the interior of the boat and using a soapy solution to identify the leaking area. I believed this worked! I was able to identify 4 areas that water could be coming in, and 2 of those areas appear directly where my leaks were found on the interior. Here was my technique and hints to make it go smoothly.
Most of you will not have the port I have (it was used to exhaust an air conditioner) where I was able to connect the air source so you will need to make up some type of hatch adapter.
Material:
3" scotch Blue tape (use this brand the knockoffs just are a pain in the A$$)
Pressurized Garden sprayer (you will go through a lot of liquid fast normal spray bottle just didn't cut it)
Dish soap
Air source - I used a leaf blower because it was handy but the article I read used a carpet drying fan (I think you can rent them for about $25 at Home Depot)
Weight or second person to put or stand on topside sliding hatch
Crayon pencil or camera (To identify exactly where leak is)
Attach your air source . Tape up the hatches to the best of your ability - don't go crazy you don't want to blow the windows out! Just get the obvious seams. Place weight or second person on top hatch forward 1/3 area. When you turn air on the hatch wants to lift up to let air out and this will foul your taping job - .once this is all wet you will not be able to retape until the entire area dries again. Mix up dish soap and water into garden sprayer (I was pretty generous with the soap). Turn the air on and get spraying. Look for bubbling bubbles - I like the camera because you can identify exactly where leak is. The whole process took less then 45 minutes.
See Pics here : http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=23051&p=280475#p280475

Published by: Matt19020

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