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 Water in cockpit of Stratos Keel
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PeterD

United Kingdom
5 Posts

Posted - 19 May 2014 :  07:22:47  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Hi

A newbie looking for some help,could someone please tell me if it is normal to have a couple of inches of water in the rear of the cockpit of a laser stratos keel at all times. To me it appears as though the water is just entering through the capsize flooding / emptying holes. Any advice on how to overcome this (apart from buying wellies or selling the boat) would be much appreciated.

Thanks Peter 597

m80

United Kingdom
17 Posts

Posted - 19 May 2014 :  16:47:11  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Are your transom flaps in good order?
Even if they are allowing water in I would expect the cockpit to drain successfully while moving
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PeterD

United Kingdom
5 Posts

Posted - 19 May 2014 :  17:06:00  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Thanks m80
As first stratos I've really looked at I would say the flaps are OK (tatty but complete) though surely even if new they would never be watertight ?

Thans why I'm confused as to amount of water. Removed bung on stern and no water from there, sailed 2 adults 2 young children and outboard (2.3 honda) so wasn't as though it was overloaded.

Should it be generally dry in the cockpit ? As I say first stratos and not studied or sailed any others.

Now wondering if I'm missing something here, just looked at a picture in user manual and it would appear that something is fitted to the cockpit holes ? (mine are just a hole )

Again any help would be really appreciated

thanks

Peter
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m80

United Kingdom
17 Posts

Posted - 19 May 2014 :  17:17:34  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I've the CB version so a bit lighter. I have sailed with 6 onboard though, yesterday for the club open day in fact, and didn't notice any water round my feet.
Generally I have never had issue with water in the cockpit, except for that expected after a capsize.
Mine has the obvious exterior mounted flaps either side of the bung and more discreet flaps within the drain chamber, that is they are visible only through the round cockpit drain holes but they are not within the cockpit.
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PeterD

United Kingdom
5 Posts

Posted - 19 May 2014 :  17:34:00  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
m80

2 sets of flaps either side on stern as you say each side of drain plug and two 45mm holes each side at rear of cockpit area. Absolutely nothing in between but fresh air, no internal flaps just an empty chamber

Peter
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Mike Rowe

United Kingdom
13 Posts

Posted - 19 May 2014 :  19:03:00  Show Profile  Visit Mike Rowe's Homepage  Reply with Quote
I have a CB version, and a friend has the Keel version. I seem to remember his has more water in than mine. I always assumed thus was due to the weight of the keel making the hull sit lower in the water and filling through the drainage flaps?
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deswift

122 Posts

Posted - 19 May 2014 :  19:44:44  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Assuming you've checked that the buoyancy compartment(s) are't taking on water, making the boat less buoyant.. under normal sailing, those 45mm drain holes should not be below the water-line. If they are, you have your weight too far aft. Remember the 'five essentials' and balance the boat and I'm sure you'll find the water drains. What's your all-up crew weight?

David
303
Warsash Sailing Club
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PeterD

United Kingdom
5 Posts

Posted - 19 May 2014 :  21:03:12  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Mike,David

Thanks for feedback, looks like from what David is saying there is generally water in the boat anyway.

All up weight is approx 300 kilo including outboard (which is nowhere near the max allowable weight listed) and even with weight distributed well forward water remains in the boat.

Have since found a parts list showing drain hole flaps on cockpit holes so perhaps I'll invest in some and see what happens.

regards

Peter
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PeterD

United Kingdom
5 Posts

Posted - 19 May 2014 :  21:04:49  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Whoops, that was Mike saying he had experienced water in centerboard and keel

apologies
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NickM

United Kingdom
53 Posts

Posted - 28 May 2014 :  20:29:35  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I have a Stratos Keel and I find it is normal for water to come back up the drainholes into the hull if I have four adults or more aboard. If I have three on the windward side, the helm has to sit further aft than ideal anyway, which does not help. I would say it is an irritation but nothing to worry about.

NickM
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