Compartment leaks

Posted by Greg M on Apr 15, 2007

I�ve built three lap-stitch boats and in all of them I get water in the flotation compartments. The leaks occur when I have water in the boat, from waves or rain. I�ve resealed the drain plugs and checked all external fillets on the bulkhead and deck. I�m convinced that the joint leaks because I didn�t fillet the inside, where the bulkhead meets the uneven hull. I was lazy and felt that the outside fillet was strong enough.

I would guess that water inside the compartment will eventually rot the plywood, even with the epoxy seal. The drain never removes all the water. Should I cut a hole in the bulkhead, fillet the joint and install a deck plate? I don�t like the way they look on a wooden boat.

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