Leaky wooden boat

I have a 16' Atlantic Skiff that I transplanted from Massachusetts to Colorado a few years ago. 2 summers ago I took it out and noticed that water was leaking through the wood slats along the gunwals. To be expected, I suppose since it went from a humid climate to a very dry one. The boat has sat in my garage since then as I'm not quite sure what to do about the leak. I know the best thing would be to get the boat in water for a period of time so the wood can expand again. Is there another option since that might not be the most feasible? Is there a sealant I can use? If I do that will it get screwy once I put the boat in water and the wood expands again. Also, any recommendations for what to do once I get it dialed in again, to prevent this from happening? Thanks so much!!!

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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on May 25, 2012 at 9:10am

Alicia, do you have any pictures to share? I can help you if you want. It sounds like you have either a carvel or clinker built boat, probable very traditional in design. I spend a lot of time on the site WoodenBoat Forum where more traditional boats are featured. My initial guess is that your boat needs to either be kept moored in water or somehow have the moisture in the wood increased. Many traditional boats were designed this way because they would spend the majority of their lives "wet".

Post some pictures and let's see what we find out. Perhaps the Building and Repair forum on WoodenBoat Forum would be a helpful place to look for assistance.

Rick Newman

Permalink Reply by Alicia Banister on June 12, 2012 at 9:25pm

Thanks Rick!

I'll run my problem past the building and repair forum. mooring it in water is not really an option, but what i'm gathering is if I can perhaps get it in water and leave it there for a few hours and do that a few times, the wood will re-expand, fixing the leaks. thanks for your help!

here's a stock photo of my boat, a lowell's boat shop Atlantic Skiff

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on June 12, 2012 at 11:08pm

Alicia, I'm glad to hear that they were able to help. The Atlantic Skiffs from Lowell's are very pretty. Hope you get lots of enjoyment from your boat in Colorado!

Rick Newman

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on May 28, 2012 at 9:17pm

Alicia, here's an idea to get your boat to hold water. This is from Ryden a wooden boater in Sweden. He is getting the wood in his boat to swell up to keep the water out.

http://i50.tinypic.com/ztumvq.jpg

Rick Newman

Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on June 13, 2012 at 5:00am

Alicia:  Why not call the builder and see what they say?  Our Swampscott dory  needs a good soak-same problem.  Since the boat is from MA , when I am clamming in Duxbury Bay next week I could ship you a quart of  sea water .  Then you could give it a rubdown to make it feel better.  -Sorry for the SA comment- couldn't help myself.

That is a really fine looking skiff-Lowell  has been buillding boats for many years. Take good care of her- its a classic  plank on frame boat.

Good Luck

 

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on June 13, 2012 at 7:56am

Lawrence, that was a good Smart-Alec comment. Tasteful yet funny! Did you ever get to see the pictures from the Pocket Cruiser event?

Rick Newman

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