Leaky decking?

[gpfishingdude]

We had what looked like a leaky seam where water came up through the carpet for a distance of about two to three feet. I sat some heavy things on it and decided to look at it when we got home. When I looked under the boat all I could see was that the seam must be right where the cross member goes across. The decking screws look like they all come through the cross member about the same. I am thinking that the best way to get a look at the leaky seam is to cut through the carpet and fold it back but I thought I would ask if anybody has a better idea? Thanks

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Leaky decking?

You can do that of course, But I would be more inclined to try and seal it first from underneath, I would let it dry out real good and use a liberal amount of silicone first. Even if you peel back the carpet its not going to do you much good you will still need to remove the plywood to seal it. Any leak comes from the bottom up through.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Leaky decking?

We had what looked like a leaky seam where water came up through the carpet for a distance of about two to three feet. I sat some heavy things on it and decided to look at it when we got home. When I looked under the boat all I could see was that the seam must be right where the cross member goes across. The decking screws look like they all come through the cross member about the same. I am thinking that the best way to get a look at the leaky seam is to cut through the carpet and fold it back but I thought I would ask if anybody has a better idea? Thanks

Can you force silicone caulk under the cross member? I would caulk the cross member all the way across the bottom and see what that does.

 

[gpfishingdude]

Re: Leaky decking?

I wonder if liquid nails construction cement would work better than caulk. I think I will try to jack up the decking-gently- in that area and see if I can get sealant between the decking and the cross member. The way I have it figured, if I can get liquid nails in the area above the cross member and it dries then I could caulk along the cross member too.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Leaky decking?

Yes the 2 peices of wood meet on top of the crossmember, look for splash deflector, they screw on right infront of the crossmember and deflect the water away so it doesn't come up through the seam.

I think caulk would work for awhile but eventually it will get blasted off by the spray.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Leaky decking?

Yes the 2 peices of wood meet on top of the crossmember, look for splash deflector, they screw on right infront of the crossmember and deflect the water away so it doesn't come up through the seam.

I think caulk would work for awhile but eventually it will get blasted off by the spray.

A++ this is the correct fix

 

[gpfishingdude]

Re: Leaky decking?

Thanks! That splash deflector sounds like a good idea to me. Might as well do a combination of things that were suggested.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Leaky decking?

The silicone on the front edge of the crossmember would be the easiest fix.

You didn't say what kind of pontoon boat you have, and how old it is.

If you have a really good boat and a moderate or large size motor, you might consider underskinning the boat--between the toons. Underskinning makes your boat go faster, especially when you're hitting some waves. It also makes the boat ride better, and the sound is deadened substantially. You can usually see underskinned boats at your local boat dealerships. Aluminum sheets can be put on by stainless steel screws into the crossmember or by drilling and riveting the sheets to the crossmembers.\

Good luck!