| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| David Osborne |
Posted - 23 Jun 2008 : 20:56:04
Has anyone experienced any problems with the Stratos taking on water particularly following a capsize?
I capsized (twice) on Saturday. When I got ashore and removed the drain plug I reckon I got 2 to 3 gallons of water out. As it drained, I removed the inspection cover on the inside of the transom and the water was about 3 inches deep. Under normal sailing conditions (when I don't capsize) I haven't noticed any problems.
Anyone experienced similar problems? Thoughts and suggestions welcome.
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| 4 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| David Duckham |
Posted - 06 Aug 2008 : 13:57:39
In reply to the query about leaks ... I bought my Stratos (c/b type - No 576) about 18months ago. It is about 5 years old, and I am the third owner. It is in v good condition and has only been used very lightly.
I found that it leaked slightly, which was a bit of a surprise and bothered me. No obvious sign of where that might, be so I called in at the Laser factory. My boat is outside original warranty, but Laser most helpful, put me in touch with the man (ex Laser) whom I am told does all their retrospective repairs, etc., for them. Incidentally, Laser said that if there was a serious problem with my boat which was not due to abuse then they would take care of that despite it being outside the warranty. The man they put me in touch with is based near Banbury. I can give you details.
Took the boat there last winter and left it with him. He explained that leaks are not uncommon and are almost invariably due to a defect having developed in the joint between the deck and hull mouldings. (All new boats are pressure tested before despatch but the joint can open up in use for one reason or another). He locates the leak by sticking an airline in the transom bung, building up a pressure and soaking the boat in soapy water to look for air escaping. My boat was faulty in several positions, all fixed with no great drama for a cost of about £200. Now, have just sailed it on an off for 3 weeks during my holidays, including an extended period on its side after a capsize, and no leaks remain.
If you want to get the problem fixed, I would recommend the same procedure. Hope this is a help.
David Duckham |
| pcmoyes |
Posted - 30 Jun 2008 : 20:02:06
I would suggest that you check the inside of the centre board section were the hull joins the lower part of the hull during manufacture my boat had to go back to Laser for this to be re glued.
I noticed a fiber glass smell when you walked inside the boat from the casing.
Philip
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| Sayling |
Posted - 24 Jun 2008 : 18:43:10
My c/b Stratos is 2003 vintage, but has stayed dry inside in spite of a couple of capsizes last season. I normally leave the drain plug open when the boat is out of the water. Today I found about half a litre of water in the compartment accessed from the front of the central console, but that was the first time I had opened that hatch.
When I first got the boat in May last year, I found (after towing it home) that I had a couple of gallons of water in the buoyancy tank when I removed the drain plug. My guess is that perhaps the previous owner had never opened the drain plug.
If you are dry normally, then the bung on the outside of the transom must seal okay. 2-3 gallons after a couple of capsizes suggests more than a bad O-ring on the hatch cover inside the transom. The buoyancy tank is quite difficult to inspect, as there are several bulkheads going across to support the inside deck (and it's very dark..)
Sayling
sail no. 568 - 'Ketchup' @ FGSC |
| neilgbj |
Posted - 23 Jun 2008 : 21:50:50
David
I have'nt had quite so much in my Stratos but did have a similar problem on my ISO (where my capsize antics are pretty constant)..........I removed all of the deck fittings and then re sealed them and this stopped most of the water coming in. Might be worth pressure testing to see where the main problem is otherwise it is fairly time consuming ! Otherwise 3 gallons seems like a good handicap for the Nationals !
Neil |
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