ice damage

Posted By: David Lee
Date: 11/10/08 9:43a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: winter and fiberglass (Jason)

Jason, I have an older (1988) WWP-19 and the only significant problem I've seen from a cold Minnesota winter involves some dead space under the cabin sole just aft of the daggerboard trunk. There is some space between the floor and an invagination in the keel that apparently can fill up with water from the bilge. I found this out as I investigated a small blob of silicon which revealed a hole, which promptly emanated water. After the water came out the fiberglass over that area collapsed and was so soft that I ripped it out easily by hand. I reglassed that area (about 6" wide by 2' long) yet the space remains and might continue to be a problem in the future, I'm not sure. Probably the only way to avoid this problem is to make sure the bilge is absolutely dry before winter and cover any areas that might permit water to enter over the winter. Fortunately I worked out a deal with my wife to get the boat in the garage this year (yes, a minivan, Prius, and WWP19 can all fit in a 3-car garage!) but even garage temps are below zero here in Minnesota in winter! David