Leak

[novotm]

I have a '72 glastron with a few leaks. I'm planning on filling it with water to determine exactly where the leaks are. <br /><br />I would like to color the water to make the leaks easier to identify. Any suggestions on something cheap which will not stain the hull?

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Leak

Food coloring works well and is cheap.<br /><br />Just make sure it is well thinned.

 

[novotm]

Re: Leak

Wouldn't I need a gallon of it? I've only seen it sold in those tiny bottles at the grocery store.<br /><br />BTW the boat is a 15 foot runabout.

 

[Link]

Re: Leak

Bart Sr. <br />

Food coloring works well and is cheap.<br />

ROFLOL Been a big fan of food coloring for boat/hull leaks for 20 years!<br /><br />novotm <br />Make sure your boat on the trailer is about level. Put a sunday newspaper all under it. Pour in the red and or black (if your bottom is light colored) and put the hose in and start filling.<br />If no leaks, by the time the water is above the floor boards lower the bow.. if no leaks then if it's a bunk trailer jack the boat off the trailer, 99% of the time you find the leak. Don't worrey about staining the hull as you will be grinding it out anyway.<br />Just my thoughts<br />Link

 

[hohmanr]

Re: Leak

Boy I'm not expert and I don't want to step on anyone's pride and joy but I have to ask : Is it worth all of the time an effort for a 72 Glastron..???..I know sometimes the time to call it quits can be are real tough value / benefit analysis where the unquantifables such as emotional attachment need to be factored...But the investment to rehab a 32 year old boat?? You may want to invite a friend over w/ an extra six pack and get an outside opinion...

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Leak

It doesent sound like much time or effort if it get you back out on the water w/o leaking.You can also try tapping the bottom with a hammer and listen for soft or thin spots.Usually if they exist ,they are where the boat is beached.Charlie

 

[novotm]

Re: Leak

Sea_hag:<br /><br />I would love to go out and buy a brand new boat. Unfortunately some of use can't afford it. Besides, I like this model - it is a classic.<br /><br />My guess is I can fix it with a little patience and a tube of marine-tex.

 

[mred 2436]

Re: Leak

novotum believe it or not, a cheap dye for looking for leaks is beet juice! go to your local grocery stores, and see if you can find the one gallon can size. run the lot of it thru a blender, and then drain it thru a towel to get rid of the pulp. usually two gallons is eenuff to do a 14 to 16 foot boat. when you're done, plain dish soap will clean up just fine.

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: Leak

Boy I wish all of us could run out and throw $30,000 into the boat of our dreams but here in the real world there are still a lot of us that just have to make do with what we have or can afford, besides when you rebuild it yourself it really makes you feel good when it works out. Good luck finding your leak. By the way if there is anyone out there that has to much money I would like a new ranger bass boat so i can quit working on my old boat.

 

[novotm]

Re: Leak

Just an update.<br /><br />I filled it with water and found the leak. After a fiberglass kit and a weekend's worth of time it is now water tight.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone for their help.