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.

Replies:

• Re: Compartment leaks by LeeG on Apr 16, 2007
• Re: Compartment leaks by CLC on Apr 16, 2007
  • Re: Compartment leaks by Ed, NY on Apr 28, 2007
    • Re: Compartment leaks by Greg M on Apr 29, 2007
  • Re: Compartment leaks by Shawn on Apr 30, 2007
    • Re: Compartment leaks by Greg M on May 1, 2007
    • Re: Compartment leaks by John Beck on May 2, 2007