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Hi,
I recommend that you contact RS / your local supplier:
1) rectification steps for no breather hole - including whether they will do it for you / specs (size / location / structural implications)
(NOTE: sounds like previous post (Liz) drilled breather hole too high, into the reinforcing block for the mainsheet block??? YIKES!);
2) if you have hairline cracks due to no breather hole, could be sign of significant repairs required to ensure structural integrity / watertight, costs met by ???
Best regards,
Ron.
Reply
04/06/2025 05:29:00
RonF 'Delphine'
Posts: 41
I also have no breathing hole in my Aero (1145). That could explain where the hairline cracks around my centerboard box are coming from.
Is it safe to drill a hole underneath the outrigger straps to allow pressure equalization?
Reply
Is it safe to drill a hole underneath the outrigger straps to allow pressure equalization?
Reply
01/06/2025 10:28:00
neonerl
Posts: 15
Thanks Ron. I definitely did not have a breather hole. I drilled one in at the weekend, but it seemed to go into some wood like stuff so I am not sure it will work. So I have decided to live the In/Out Bung life for now!
Reply
Reply
27/05/2025 20:29:00
Liz
Posts: 5
Hi Liz / Ing,
I've attached a picture of where the breather hole is, right up under the toe strap at bow end of cockpit. If there were no breather hole, you'd be at risk of popping your seams on a hot day in the sunshine, and sucking water into the hull every time you launched into colder water.
I have tried leaving the bung out at times, it is generally more trouble than it's worth, and the risk is that you may forget one day and leave the bung out while sailing (yes, I have done this, more than once!). Or worse yet, lose the bung completely.
I would save taking the bung out, unless you hear water in the hull (lift up bow, then bow down low (easier on a downward slope), listen for a water slosh at the bow. If you hear water slosh, then investigate how water got in, e.g. Check for crack at centrecase, any gouges in hull, any separated seams, etc.
And empty as much water out of hull through the bung hole, if possible even stand the boat on its stern against a wall etc.
Even then, you won't get the last bit of water out, for that I have a curved wire loop to push a strip of cloth into the lowest part of hull (picture attached).
And then if you want to ensure the hull is really dry, especially if coming up to a championship, you might leave the hull in the hot sun on a low humidity day, and bonus points (/overkill) puff fresh air in through the bung hole, using a low volume air pump like you get from an aquarium shop.
DO NOT use a high volume pump as the breather hole will not release the pressure sufficiently at the risk you will pop/crack a seam.
REMEMBER to put your bung back in ASAP.
Cheers,
Ron
Reply
I've attached a picture of where the breather hole is, right up under the toe strap at bow end of cockpit. If there were no breather hole, you'd be at risk of popping your seams on a hot day in the sunshine, and sucking water into the hull every time you launched into colder water.
I have tried leaving the bung out at times, it is generally more trouble than it's worth, and the risk is that you may forget one day and leave the bung out while sailing (yes, I have done this, more than once!). Or worse yet, lose the bung completely.
I would save taking the bung out, unless you hear water in the hull (lift up bow, then bow down low (easier on a downward slope), listen for a water slosh at the bow. If you hear water slosh, then investigate how water got in, e.g. Check for crack at centrecase, any gouges in hull, any separated seams, etc.
And empty as much water out of hull through the bung hole, if possible even stand the boat on its stern against a wall etc.
Even then, you won't get the last bit of water out, for that I have a curved wire loop to push a strip of cloth into the lowest part of hull (picture attached).
And then if you want to ensure the hull is really dry, especially if coming up to a championship, you might leave the hull in the hot sun on a low humidity day, and bonus points (/overkill) puff fresh air in through the bung hole, using a low volume air pump like you get from an aquarium shop.
DO NOT use a high volume pump as the breather hole will not release the pressure sufficiently at the risk you will pop/crack a seam.
REMEMBER to put your bung back in ASAP.
Cheers,
Ron
Reply
19/05/2025 04:22:00
RonF 'Delphine'
Posts: 41
I don't think I have a breather hole. I have looked for it where it says it should be in the manual - but no sign of it. I do take the bung out every time, but I'd like to know I have a breather hole. Are there other places it could be? (I'm an early model - 1398)
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Reply
18/05/2025 09:13:00
Liz
Posts: 5
Hi Ing,
I read that and concluded that you are not experiencing the UK weather at the moment!
I look forward to coming to Melbourne for some warmth at New Year!
There is already a breather hole under the toe strap. However, if it is hugely warm in AUS that is not a bad idea in order to get some extra ventilation. Don't forget to put it back in though!
I don't bother ever taking mine out in the UK. This past week the air has been moister on the outside!
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03/10/2019 17:54:00
Peter Barton
Posts: 5192
Hey! I was wondering if I should be removing the bung after sailing/for general storage especially now that it is starting to get warmer.
Cheers,
Ing
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02/10/2019 23:58:00
sulseasailing
Posts: 4
