Strange Hole on my Bow

[Jimmyvix]

Hi, I recently (Thanksgiving weekend) bought a 28+ and am not too experienced of a sailor. I came into the slip a little fast and hit the dock. When assessing any damage, I saw this hole on my bow. I bought a Marine Fiberglass Repair Kit but then I noticed there's like a small pipe in there! Any idea what this is? I can stick my pinky finger in about half an inch but seems to go further in. Any advice on how to fill it in and repair it? And what are the chances of me hitting the dock precisely
where this little pipe this?!!

 

[Christian Williams]

that’s the drain for the anchor locker. Just confirm the inner hose is still connected.

 

[peaman]

If you pour a bucket of water into your chain locker, you should see that water drain out of the hole.

 

[Jimmyvix]

Wow, thanks guys! So it should stay like that, exposed? I thought I had caused it, I was going to fill it in. Should I just leave it like that? I've never noticed this hole on any other boat.

 

[Christian Williams]

Yes, most Ericsons have that anchor locker drain in the stem. But as peaman says, you do need to make sure the damage didn't detach the locker hose or rainwater will enter the boat. Therefore, the bucket test .

Your model may permit access to the hose through the V berth, although many models don't. If not, the anchor locker pan has to be removed to fix the hose and/or replace the drain fitting in the stem.

Yes, the hole in the stem (that is, the "cutting edge" of the bow) is left open. The attached drain hose keeps ocean water out.

Please fill out your signature line with boat year and model and engine. Username/Signature. The information will automatically appear under all your posts, and helps members know whether their knowledge applies.

 

[bsangs]

Hi, I recently (Thanksgiving weekend) bought a 28+ and am not too experienced of a sailor. I came into the slip a little fast and hit the dock. When assessing any damage, I saw this hole on my bow. I bought a Marine Fiberglass Repair Kit but then I noticed there's like a small pipe in there! Any idea what this is? I can stick my pinky finger in about half an inch but seems to go further in. Any advice on how to fill it in and repair it? And what are the chances of me hitting the dock precisely
where this little pipe this?!!

Also, don't sweat hitting the dock too much. Can pretty much assure you that it won't be the last time. Congrats on your purchase. This is a great community. Enjoy.

 

[jtsai]

While the boat is on the stands, I recommend carefully sealing the gap between the hull skin and the drain stem from outside. Test your work with a water hose from outside. It is impossible to conduct this repair with the boat in the water; the drain hole is too close to the water.

 

[Jimmyvix]

While the boat is on the stands, I recommend carefully sealing the gap between the hull skin and the drain stem from outside. Test your work with a water hose from outside. It is impossible to conduct this repair with the boat in the water; the drain hole is too close to the water.

Thank you for this advice. I guess I can seal that small gap using some marine silicone? I'll have her out in a couple of months to have her hull painted.

 

[Jimmyvix]

Also, don't sweat hitting the dock too much. Can pretty much assure you that it won't be the last time. Congrats on your purchase. This is a great community. Enjoy.

Thank you. You made me feel a little less like a dork.

 

[Jimmyvix]

Yes, most Ericsons have that anchor locker drain in the stem. But as peaman says, you do need to make sure the damage didn't detach the locker hose or rainwater will enter the boat. Therefore, the bucket test .

Your model may permit access to the hose through the V berth, although many models don't. If not, the anchor locker pan has to be removed to fix the hose and/or replace the drain fitting in the stem.

Yes, the hole in the stem (that is, the "cutting edge" of the bow) is left open. The attached drain hose keeps ocean water out.

Please fill out your signature line with boat year and model and engine. Username/Signature. The information will automatically appear under all your posts, and helps members know whether their knowledge applies

Thank you again for this info, sir. And thanks for letting me know how to put in my boat info. I had been trying to figure that out, didn't know it was the signature line.

 

[cruis-n]

Thank you for this advice. I guess I can seal that small gap using some marine silicone? I'll have her out in a couple of months to have her hull painted.

Recommend you don't use silicone. If you get it outside the repair area (easy to do), you'll have problems getting the paint to adhere properly in that region.
If you must, use something temporary and paint-able like a latex or life caulk until you can do a proper epoxy repair when it's out of the water. Read the package instructions for the product to be sure.

 

[Jimmyvix]

Hi, I recently (Thanksgiving weekend) bought a 28+ and am not too experienced of a sailor. I came into the slip a little fast and hit the dock. When assessing any damage, I saw this hole on my bow. I bought a Marine Fiberglass Repair Kit but then I noticed there's like a small pipe in there! Any idea what this is? I can stick my pinky finger in about half an inch but seems to go further in. Any advice on how to fill it in and repair it? And what are the chances of me hitting the dock precisely
where this little pipe this?!!

Thanks to all for the enlightenment. I feel like such a dummy for freaking out over this.

 

[Jimmyvix]

Recommend you don't use silicone. If you get it outside the repair area (easy to do), you'll have problems getting the paint to adhere properly in that region.
If you must, use something temporary and paint-able like a latex or life caulk until you can do a proper epoxy repair when it's out of the water. Read the package instructions for the product to be sure.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[kloebereng]

Be sure to check the locker to keep the drain free. Drains vlog up from leaves, spiders, and general gunk.

 

[Jimmyvix]

Be sure to check the locker to keep the drain free. Drains vlog up from leaves, spiders, and general gunk.

Thank you, I will definitely check for junk there. Still uncertain whether there should be some kind of cowling or scupper at the hull end of the drain stem. Seem ocean water could easily get in there while under sail.

 

[Frank Langer]

Thank you, I will definitely check for junk there. Still uncertain whether there should be some kind of cowling or scupper at the hull end of the drain stem. Seem ocean water could easily get in there while under sail.

You don't need any kind of cover for that hole, as long as the hose is connected properly inside. Any water that enters while under sail will drain right away if that hose is attached properly.
Frank

 

[Jimmyvix]

Thank you Frank, good to know. I just have to worry about filling in the gap between the pipe and the hull skin.

 

[Frank Langer]

Thank you Frank, good to know. I just have to worry about filling in the gap between the pipe and the hull skin.

There are various products that will work there, but I have had good results with Marine Tex, available in most chandleries, a two part epoxy, easy to mix 1:1, easy to smooth out, dries within a few hours, can be painted to match gelcoat.
Frank

 

[Jimmyvix]

There are various products that will work there, but I have had good results with Marine Tex, available in most chandleries, a two part epoxy, easy to mix 1:1, easy to smooth out, dries within a few hours, can be painted to match gelcoat.
Frank

I got a similar product by Mallbaola. It's also a 2-part epoxy mixed 1:1, sandable and paintable. Thanks again!

 

[Christian Williams]

Enlarged to show copper tube embedded in stem (anyhow, mine was copper).