leak testing a hull

[sportrider]

I have the hull stripped. (no stringers, bulkheads etc.) would it damage it if I took it to the lake and "floated" it off the trailer to look for any leaks while everything is exposed?

 

[Woodonglass]

Really no need for Leak Testing a fiberglass hull. You're gunna become Intimately familiar with every nook and cranny of the hull by the time you're done with it. If there's any holes in her, You'll find em!! But...If you wanna, you can float her with out causing any damage.

 

[sportrider]

ya, its funny (not really) sometimes when I'd be out on the water all day and pull it out, when I'd pull the bilge plug I would get no water other times there had to be about 5 gallons in it. unless its under the bunks on the trailer, I've crawled under the boat and can't see any obvious holes. there's a few rough spots on the gel coat from beaching but nothing that goes all the way through. I figured nows the time to find them and seal them so I don't replace all the rot and soaked foam for nothing.

 

[Woodonglass]

TRUST ME...Once you're done with all the grinding and glassing of the stringers and bulkheads... You'll know every square inch of that hull!!!Heck you may put a few NEW HOLES in her yourself. Those grinders and Saws have a mind of their own at times!!!!

 

[nurseman]

If you really want to test for leaks, you can just run some water into her with a hose. If any water drips out, there would be your leak, if no drips, then your golden! But like Wood said, you will know every inch of your hull before you're done grinding! And yea, almost everyone puts at least one hole in the hull while grinding:facepalm:

 

[pckeen]

No problem with putting it in the water.....unless there is a REALLY big hole in it.