Hull to hull joint repair?

[SteveO]

I have a 1983 Prindle 18 I purchased that is in better than average condition. The first time I sailed her the hulls stayed dry and the boat sailed very well in 5-10 knots winds. The next time out it was 15-20 knots and after sailing for an hour my starboard hull filled up with water..then the port stated filling as well. Luckily I made it back to to shore and got her back on the trailer without any drama. After pulling her out of the water I found that some kind of sealant (looks like a caulk?) was pulling out of the upper hull to lower hull joint on the inside starboard side right behind the trampoline rear beam. I couldn't find any place on the port hull that could be leaking.
1. What kind of sealant/epoxy/?? should I use to fill the seam between the hulls to stop the leak?
2. Is it possible the water traveled through the trampoline (beam) frame from one hull to the other?
3. Any other ideas of what I should look for and/or plan on repairing? Spring is around the corner and I'm so ready to get the boat back out on the water!
Thanks so much for you input,
Steve

 

[osborn159]

Re: Hull to hull joint repair?

first, i dont know much about sailboats, sounds like it may be caulk in that seam, ive seen it used on all kinda stuff it shouldnt be used for, i probably would clean out all the old caulk/sealant and reseal with a good quality marine sealant on both hulls as far as hoe the water is geting from one hull to the other without lookin at it hard to say, im sure you checked the under side of the hulls? give it a good look over if no other intrusion point is obvious
seal it and check it out, in close first.