Pinhole leak in hull

[tmcalavy]

Hey guys,<br />I have an old 72 Ebbtide fiberglass runabout and recently picked up a pin-sized hole in the outer hull...from a rock, etc., on the road, I think. I found this when I noticed a puddle of water under the boat/trailer in the garage. It's still weeping water out of the hole, 2 days later. The hole is small so it may take awhile for it to stop. I ran a search and found recommendations to use Marine Tex putty or fiberglass mat etc. to patch the hole. Question is, do I just have to be patient and let it dry out or is there some way to speed the dry out so I can get on with patching the hole from underneath? Haven't had the boat out since last summer, but I think it sat out in the rain and collected water when it was in for service at the shop recently for an impeller replacement. Could some of that water have gone into the bilge trap at the back and found its way down between the hull layers? I'm new to this, so any help/advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[tnt460]

Re: Pinhole leak in hull

best to let it dry out naturally then repair might wanna grind the spot out a little and put some mat on it

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Pinhole leak in hull

Examined it carefully to be sure there is no evidence of de-lamination. Check the rest of the hull for cracks too. Weat Systems put's out a decent booklet (usually $2.50-3.00) that explains and walks you through repairs.<br /><br />Bob

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Pinhole leak in hull

Thanks for the tips. Upon closer inspection, I found the source of the hole. Last owner used seat screw that was too long, end of which hit the inner hull layer and caused the pinhole. I checked/replaced all the screws with right length and opened up the hole a little to let it drain. Also tilted the whole rig to help it drain. I know how to patch this hole, but I'm wondering about getting all the water out. I'm thinking raising the bow to put any water left in there in the stern and then drilling another small hole back there to drain it some more. Question is, how far back does the hollow space between hull layers go aft? All the way to the bilge? Anyone know the answer? It's a 72 Ebbtide Lakemaster, 15 footer.