water coming up through deck

[EEGMan]

I have a Suntracker 19 ft and its 3 years old. Its a plywood deck covered with carpet. For the first time about 2 weeks ago, we have begun to see water coming up through the deck, mid ship (almost exactly in front of the console). We note that while in a plane, there is a standing wave that hits the bottom of the deck right below that point.
I have two thoughts here but would REALLY appreciate the wisdom of the group as this is our first pontoon boat. Idea #1 is to replace the caulking that is right at that point (we see that there is a support beam and a seam right under where water is coming up and the caulk there is very thin and peeling away). It may be that the caulk has failed and water is being driven up into the seam. Idea #2 is to seal the wood from below, using a polyethylene paint or epoxy paint.
So my questions are: does either solution #1 or #2 make sense? Any suggestions as to what we should or should not so or what product to use would be gratefully accepted.

 

[Nightfisher-]

Re: water coming up through deck

Mine did it too. Just recaulk it really good for now and go ahead and do all the seams. Use a quality marine caulk. When it's time to redeck in the future do it right and use the tape that is meant for sealing the seams. Under skinning would be another solution, but a lot more money too.

 

[Tallykenj]

Re: water coming up through deck

I had a SunTracker and had the same problem. Tracker sent my dealer some sort of very think and sticky black caulk that was used to seal the seams between the wood and beams. After it was applied, I never had another problem. Don't waste your time with caulk, silicon, etc that you will find at common stores. You need the real good stuff.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: water coming up through deck

I would take the opportunity to underskin the bottom. This will lower the noise level, prevent splash from coming up through, reduce drag, and increase your speed a little.

 

[newbie4life]

Re: water coming up through deck

I used Geocel. It's available at common hardware stores, big box stores, etc. It's a clear caulk, very 'gooey' - but if it gets on anything, it's clear and you won't see it very well. No more issues after that.