Emergency Repair Tips to Fix Boat Leaks

Boat owners dread the idea of having to deal with a leaky boat. Besides creating an unplanned break in your schedule, it may also mean a costly repair. Regular maintenance and thorough upkeep of your vessel can keep such situations at bay. However, if one arises, you can easily fix it by following a few tips. We have come up with this guide for you to refer to while you try to fix minor leaks. For all the major, stubborn ones, our friendly staff at Nobles' Marine is available to help you!

Before We Begin

Before you start to repair, here’s some vocabulary you should know.

• In-water repair: If the leaky spot is above the waterline.
• Out-of-water repair: All leaks below the waterline require you to haul the boat out for a long-term repair.

In this guide, we’re sharing the steps to fix an out-of-water repair before you visit a professional service expert.

Find the Source of the Leak

The first step to fixing a leak is to find it. There are several common areas on boats that are prone to leaks. This includes windows, packing glands, near the deck drainage, stanchion bases, windlasses, shroud chainplates, and the hull-to-deck joint. Be patient while you are trying to figure out the exact spot; it may take a while.

The best way to quickly find a leak is to notice paint bubbling or discoloration in the area. If you don’t find anything amiss, you can use a hose to spray water onto the boat. This clearly reveals leaky areas in most cases. Yet another way of identifying a leak is by making use of a can of compressed air. Sprinkle some talcum powder onto the exterior surface of the boat and blow air on the location from the inside. Disruption in the powder will lead you to the leaky spot.

Sometimes it may require professional assistance to find one – if you are struggling with this, don’t hesitate to call us.

Determine the Material Used

Different adhesives are available to fix different materials, such as wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. A glue that’s designed to fix PVC material will work fine on a PVC-made boat. However, it won’t work on wooden boats. Using a well-matched glue is key to fixing a leak.

Once you are sure of the material, look for an interior space to apply the fix. Using an adhesive solution outdoors may not provide you with the desired results as temperature conditions can negatively affect its efficacy. A basement, garage, or any temperature-controlled area can be chosen for this.

Clean the Area that Needs Repairing

Dirt and debris on the boat will prevent the adhesive from binding well. To prevent this, thoroughly clean the boat, especially the area that needs repair. Remove old glue (if there’s any present) to allow the new gum to bind better.

Keep the Patch Kit Handy

Even if you don’t regularly use it, keeping the patch kit handy is important. Keep all your adhesives, seam sealers, and boat repair tools in an accessible location. The last thing you’d want while trying to fix a leak is to look for your kit and not be able to find it. Upgrade the kit if you find some tools missing.

Boat leaks can be hazardous. Thankfully, proactive inspection can help you identify a potential danger before it crops up. If you need an expert to inspect your boat or fix an issue, visit Nobles' Marine in Leesburg and Crystal River, Florida. We proudly serve all those in Ocala.