Older boat upkeep

I came across a free 16FT x 54inch beam at the widest point with a trailer.

 

I brought it home and parked it indoors for over 1 month, dried it out, the wood seems to be good overall, the floor has 2 sections replaced and a thick layer of varnish over the outside of the boat. 

 

I river tested it last saturday in about 1/2 hours run down the river I had about a pint or 2 of water leak in at the edges of the floor in 2 spots, right at the rib at the wided point along the floor.  So little I am not worried, but as a whitewater kayaker, wet boats are a peeve of mine.  I do not want any water leaking in.

 

I rolled the boat over and looked it over, I cant see a point of entery for the water, the varnish looks good. 

 

My thoughts are, paint the outside of the boat with exterior house paint and wait for it to cure (3 weeks) and hope this seals any thin lines or pin holes on the hull.

 

Any thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C. on March 7, 2011 at 8:30pm
Pictures of the boat with closeups would be very helpful.Painting it will only postpone the leak.Best to address the leak now with a new chine bedded with marine sealant if in fact it has a chine .
Permalink Reply by Paul Kysar on March 7, 2011 at 9:11pm

I do not have any close up pics just a few on the trailer from distance.  My goal is to seal the boat to last throught the summer and fall fishing season.  Next winter would be the time rebuild any sections that are needing it.

 

So in short I am looking for a temp fix this year.  The season is about 4 weeks out. 

Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on March 8, 2011 at 5:27am

Paul:  If you just want to make it last a season  paint won't stop the leak.  As it flexes etc  running the river the paint will open up.  If you know where the seams leak why not run a bead of 5200 along the suspected spots.  It might not look too good but then  its a "free" boat so why not try it.

Good Luck

Permalink Reply by AJ DeRosa on March 8, 2011 at 7:36am

I can only assume that this is a frame built boat as this is what we usually talk about on this forum.  If so then the leak is most likely in the chine joint.  It is not a hard job to do a proper fix of this problem.  Flip the boat over.  Remove the chine cap on the side that leaks.  Clean the joint area.  Apply bedding compound and replace the cap.

 

This can be done in an afternoon by a skilled builder, maybe a couple days if it's your first time.  This is a proper fix and you will be a happy boater with a newfound skill.

Permalink Reply by justin nicola on March 8, 2011 at 2:20pm

you need to address the actual problem spots.  try having a helper (wife, kid, buddy will all work) spray water on the bottom half of the boat w/ a hose to find your leak spots.  hit that area w/ 5200.   then proceed w/ house paint, if thats how you want to paint it.

Permalink Reply by Dave Z on March 8, 2011 at 4:05pm

Hmm..

 

I'm thinking that if you got a free boat, and it only takes on a pint of water.  leave it.  remember, any water that can get in can also find its way out.  If you can store that baby dry, you're good to go.

 

Whats the interior finish?  if oil, I'd leave it.

 

If you are a fisherman and wear felts or waders, you're gonna bring in at least that much water everytime you get in or out.

 

 

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