Leaks are bad news in general. They violate one of the most important rules of boating; "Keep the water on the outside". The good news is that Susan found the leak (actually she found 3 of them) the bad news in this case is that we still haven't found all the leaks.
It happened during our third and most extensive leak hut to date. Armed with a flexible inspection light an inspection mirror we pulled the boat apart and probed and peered into the most inaccessible areas of the boat. I was ready to give up when Susan suggested that we take apart a small raised section of deck located in our aft cabin. I pulled out a couple of screws but couldn't get the panel free. Not convinced we'd find anything of merit I was ready to give up again when Susan suggested prying one of the glued and nailed in trim pieces. I did and then was able to pry out the panel. Low and behold we were staring right at four thru-hull bolts that secure our cutlass strut to the hull and three of them were weeping. Cheer up little bolts, we'll caulk you dry soon.I'm thinking that the remaining leak may come from all the salt water that's running through tubing in and around the engine compartment. There are lots of hoses with dozens of fittings and accompany hose clamps. Once we're through ripping out the refrigerator with its salt water cooling system and hot water heater with all its hoses we'll have a lot less opportunity for leaks and a lot better visibility into what's going on in the engine compartment. Hope springs eternal...
