finding leaks on a tin boat

[870 Expressmag]

I have a 15ft meyers aluminum boat. It doesnt leak bad, after 5 hours in the water there is maybe a half a cup or less in the back and a half a cup or less in the front. Now it's hard to tell how much actually comes from front or back due to the fact that as we move around in the boat and we drive the boat some will run down the center seam back and forth. How do I tell where it's coming from? i cant access under the front seat as it's all enclosed, and i think i may have the rear narrowed down to the drain plug. just wondering if there is tell tale signs or some steps i can take out of the water to try and find them to seal em up. also there is no damage evident on the bottom of the boat. it does not appear to have ever run aground or been beached on rocks, stumps, etc

 

[roscoe]

Re: finding leaks on a tin boat

I wouldn't worry about it.
Too much time involved for little or no benefit.

If it really bothers you, keep a sponge in the boat and soak it up when you see a drop.

 

[airshot]

Re: finding leaks on a tin boat

If only a half cup or so I wouldn't worry about it. With age many alum boats leak a little from stressed rivets or a bad rubber seal on the drain plug. In many cases it is just a little spray from hitting some waves, when you accumulate a gallon or so then get serious about finding your problem. As a long time alum boat owner, a couple cups of water is nothing more than some spray from waves to me.

Airshot

 

[BonairII]

Re: finding leaks on a tin boat

1/2 a cup? That's a minuscule amount. Don't worry one little bit about that amount of water.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: finding leaks on a tin boat

That is nothing to worry about, especially in an aluminum boat, it will take way more time and frustration tracking it down, than it is worth. Just keep an eye on it and if it gets worse, then start checking rivets, but, again, that much is basically nothing.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: finding leaks on a tin boat

Just set it in the water,watch for where it comes from.I've had success peening the leaky rivit,hold a hammer against the outside,and hammering on it from the inside.But that little bit of water is really nothing to worry about.
Grub

 

[saumon]

Re: finding leaks on a tin boat

As said, 1/2 a cup is nothing but if there's a gallon or two or if it bother you that bad, simply put a hose in the boat while on trailer in your dry driveway. You'll be able to know if there's a leaking rivet...

 

[870 Expressmag]

Re: finding leaks on a tin boat

well i think i can attribute the water from the rear to the drain plug, i bought the boat june 6th of 2012 and the drain plug was in when i bought it and had never removed it, however friday my fishing partner thought he was helping and removed it, no big deal. dont get enough water in the boat that any drains out of the hole but he was helping. i installed it before dad and i went fishing yesterday and got more water in the back then i ever had so i believe thats where it's coming from. As far as in the front it has always leaked up there since i bought the boat. when i get home i slightly tip the boat up so it runs towards the back of the boat so it evaporates out, and it always brings some styrofoam balls with it. I just want to make sure i am not damaging anything by letting it go. I can see where the water is coming in at in the front because of the enclosure. inside that door is a compartment followed by another wall and behind that i am assuming is the foam

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: finding leaks on a tin boat

look at your bow eye... common place for a leak in a small boat