my OCD and my kayak. leaks

[Hobious]

I know kayaks leak to some degree.  my old one would be damp inside and I would simply paper towel it dry.  on big waves or rain days, I would stuff a small electrical fan inside, and let it air out and hoped it stayed fresh.  (drove my wife crazy)

my new hull, really leaked.  after a calm day, I would have maybe a cup or two of water inside.  that was way too much for my OCD to handle.  I started looking for the culprits.

I would feel around inside, and blot with a paper towel and literally look for the drips.  the inserts for rod holders leaked, the silicon wire pass thru leaked, and the hinges for the front hatch dribbled big time!  I took things apart and used a tube of silicon and sealed everything.  I used bathroom sealant I had, so I could have made a better UV resistant choice there, but so far..my boat is BONE DRY!  zero leaks. 

I think my hull was a warranty replacement and they quickly put one together for me.  it was the drilled hole ragged edges and the hairlike drill spoils around the perimeter of the holes was usually the culprit.  the gasket didnt seal properly. 

ahhh...I feel better.   hahaha

[Mike Cork]

I hear ya about OCD when it comes to my fishing stuff... Lots of things really don't effect the catch but do effect the enjoyment of the catch...

[big g]

Fill with water on dry concrete and see where the leaks are. 

[FlatsNBay]

Were your leaks above or below the water line?

That would drive me crazy too.

[Hobious]

above the water line.  waves and wakes are VERY common, and it was crazy leaking from engineered holes. 

[D.W. Verts]

Wow ya'll. Suddenly I feel better about my "Don't give a rats' behind" attitude...!

Dale

[Hobious]

Wow ya'll. Suddenly I feel better about my "Don't give a rats' behind" attitude...!

Dale

hahha..mine started when I was refused entry with a wet kayak interior.  the threat was transferring mussels. I get it, and was was bummed about the wasted gas, but I went elsewhere.  then the mindset was cemented when I smelled the musty, moldy interior of my friends Hobie.  he had black mold on the foam inserts.  very gross, and unhealthy.  I didnt want to help him wire his new fish finder. 

[D.W. Verts]

Well, that would be BAD for sure. I've hardly ever owned a boat that didn't get a little extra water in it from time to time, My kayak, however (a cheaper 12' Patriot that I truly LOVE) has never taken on any water, except when a bass gifted me some. Awesome.

Dale