Clint,

Nice low tech approach! Always worth a try! However, I am surprised by some of the difficulties people are experienceing here. The leak points should be relatively easy to find if you know where to look.

As I have been thinking about it, I have a suspicion some of these mystery leaks MAY be occurring below the waterline at the sites of previous repairs. If sailors are not using the proper process or materials in their patch work, then leaks may still occur. This is why I have repeatedly posted that simply slapping on some type of filler, or cloth and resin, may not do the trick (at least not for very long) on anything but the smallest repairs. I also think some might be omitting a proper cleaning process and/or an initial sealer application of thin resin (without fillers). Only after these steps can resin fillers and/or lamination be applied with any confidence.

If one does not follow these steps, it almost guarantees eventual seepage through previous repairs - especially along an edge like the bottom of the Hobie hull.

People who work with fiberglass understand these particular issues well - it goes with the territory. For everyone else, it is a matter of finding (and trusting) good information.


Dave