What is the best way to fix a leak?

jacobacope

Recruit
Joined
Aug 1, 2009
Messages
5
I have a 1995 Starcraft 120 Mariner. It is taking on water. What is the best way to to find the leak and how to fix the leak?
 

Rickairmedic

Commander
Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Messages
2,576
Re: What is the best way to fix a leak?

Welcome to iboats and the Starcraft club ( after we get pictures of said Starcraft :D ) . My first question as I am not up to speed on the new Starcrafts is is it aluminum or fiberglass.


Rick
 

jacobacope

Recruit
Joined
Aug 1, 2009
Messages
5
Re: What is the best way to fix a leak?

It is aluminum. I took it out for the first time today. We went out for about 2 hours. The leak made us come back in. I found a few spots that need to be fixed. I just want to make sure I have them all found!
 

pinecrestwoods

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 17, 2009
Messages
100
Re: What is the best way to fix a leak?

Howdy! Questions need to be much more specific. When it rains, my boat takes on water, too. ;) Where's the leak? Pictures help a lot, too. So.... when does it leak, where does it leak, how much does it leak, what does the water look like (clean/oily)? etc. Does it only leak when "in" the water, or does it take on water if you're running it on the muffs, or both?

Plenty of people wanting to help you with this.

You'll get it fixed, don't worry!!

Okay... I see you posted while I was typing. So... this sounds like an aluminum seam/rivet repair/seal, no?
 

Rickairmedic

Commander
Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Messages
2,576
Re: What is the best way to fix a leak?

Tjhats where I would start the rivets and seams. Aluminum starcrafts are known to leak from these locations. I do gree where does the water seem to be comming from would help in figuring out where the water is comming from also take a good LONG look at the entire bottom of the boat to see if theres any scrapes or scratches or dents around any rivets or seams . . The best fix would be to pull the deck and gluvit all the rivets and seams but thaats pretty drastic on such a new boat especilly if the decks in good shape . One more question Outboard or I/O setup :D.


Rick
 

jacobacope

Recruit
Joined
Aug 1, 2009
Messages
5
Re: What is the best way to fix a leak?

The leak that I found is coming out below where the motor is mounted. When I pulled the boat out of the water, the small hole (not the plug) had a good pisser stream. With the little hole and the amount of water to me, they did not add up. I feel there must be a bigger leak. Or is it a smal leak can fill your boat that fast? It dose not leak when the muffs are on. Only in the water.
Thank you
 

jacobacope

Recruit
Joined
Aug 1, 2009
Messages
5
Re: What is the best way to fix a leak?

Tjhats where I would start the rivets and seams. Aluminum starcrafts are known to leak from these locations. I do gree where does the water seem to be comming from would help in figuring out where the water is comming from also take a good LONG look at the entire bottom of the boat to see if theres any scrapes or scratches or dents around any rivets or seams . . The best fix would be to pull the deck and gluvit all the rivets and seams but thaats pretty drastic on such a new boat especilly if the decks in good shape . One more question Outboard or I/O setup :D.


Rick

Outboard
 

Rickairmedic

Commander
Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Messages
2,576
Re: What is the best way to fix a leak?

Ok kewl that means we dont have to rip the deck out of your New new boat :D. I would say just get some 3M 5200 and fill the hole depending on its size . The other options if its a small one under 1/4" would be to coat a rivet with the 5200 and sink it in the hole if its over 1/4" then coat a stainless bolt with 5200 and put it in the hole . Under 1/8" I would just put the 5200 in the hole and go. After that take it back out and see how she does a small leak can fill a boat fast.


Rick
 

Rickairmedic

Commander
Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Messages
2,576
Re: What is the best way to fix a leak?

On the Rivet by the way you want a closed end rivet if the hole is 3/16" PM me an address and I will send ya one :D I have 200+ of the little buggers out of a case of 250 I had to but to repair 25 or so holes in my hull :D.


Rick
 

NoKlu

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 23, 2008
Messages
786
Re: What is the best way to fix a leak?

Have a look at the hull from the outside and see if you can see anything out of the ordinary. If you can't see anything drop it in the water but stay tied to the dock. How's the bilge pump work??lol. You might get an idea where the leak is that way. It may only leak while underway. One guy had an outboard that would throw water over the transom cause it was mounted to low. Good luck
 
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