MacGregorSailors.com

I have a 1984 Mac 25. I just bought it. I sanded the bottom and painted it and did not notice any cracks or holes. I just launched it a week ago. I have a leak that appears to be coming from the through hull knot meter or under the portapotty. I keep the boat in the water at a marina. I get about a gallon of water maybe two. It does not go over that amount in a couple of days. I pressed putty all around the knot meter sender where it comes through the hull. Anyone know of a spot these boats are prone to leak?

The bolts for keel are not damp. The area around keel cable is also dry.

I would check the knot meter through hull fitting. Putty on the inside will do no good. You need to fix it from the outside. My Mac25 has been in the water for a year and there is no leakage anywhere neer the head.

Mine had no thru-hulls under the waterline other than the keel bolt holes and the hole for the keel cable if that counts. Only leaked during sails in rough weather, though the keel bolt holes, but nothing for any concern. Unless you're really into having the knot meter, I'd just epoxy over the hole and be done with it. If you have no holes below the waterline, your boat will not leak.

My 1980 Mac25 had water collecting in the bildge at or near the keel bolt hinge. I found several sources: Front Hatch, Keel Bolt Hinge Bolt, Mast Wire thru-deck and anchor pipe through deck took on rain water. All water entering the boat from above water line sources will collect in the same area. I would suggest you lay out some paper towles to determine source of possable above wateline leaks in addition to checking your keel bolt seals which will collect water while sailing and from wakes while at the dock.

The 2 Mac 25s I've owned only leaked along the gunnel when the boat heeled. I had a thru hole knot meter on one of them.

I am sure mine leaked a bit through the windows, and mast wire hole as well, though it would have been negligible. I suppose the front hatch could leak depending on the angle and strength of the rain. Never saw it leak through the hull-deck joint, but then again I don't recall ever burying that joint but a few times.