Joe wrote:
Sounds like a good ideal Doug, but I would only add duct tape and
bags to my DC kit. Plugs are great to use from the outside in.

That's true.

... That
way if you have a spare valve and threading gear you can fix a busted
thru hull offshore.

You gonna carry a set of 2" and larger pipe thread dies?


I think thru hulls are an easy fix.

So far, I have had pretty easy times with all the ones I've tangled with.

... What I would worry about is tears
or long holes caused by something like smaking the corner of a
submerged container or sharp reef.

Not in a steel boat, you shouldn't. The two worst case failure modes for
you would be a welded seam opening up or rust through. In either case,
you're unlikely to fix it while afloat... the answer is to duct tape (or
something) it so as to minimize leaks and get her hauled pronto.


... How would you fix lets say a 2
inch wide 14" long hole?

I wouldn't. I'd brace a cushion against it or put a mat over the outside
(fothering). Either should seal pretty good if you plaster some 3M-101
or something similar (tallow?) over the contact face. Get the boat to
haul out, then get to work with grinder & West System.

It's likely that a hole as big as 14" is going to involve some
structural compromise, you wouldn't want to keep sailing the boat... at
least, not hard anyway... if you had the option.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King