I recently moved from Va. to Fla. and had the boat trailered. A survey 2 years ago (on land) was good and on the water I have never had significant water in the bilge. Now, my bilge is leaking. Just below one of the keel bolts there is a pinhole in the gelcoat with water leaking out. I probed the hole and it easily enlarged to about 1/16 inch (and leaked more). I temporarily patched it with some silicone caulk but I am worried about the possibilities and am unsure what to do now. Haul the boat now or just patch the leak and live with it? Last year I had the keel sanded, barrier coated and repainted and no problems were found. What I suspect is that the trailering caused some movement or stress to the keel/hull joint and now the water is getting in. Any suggestions gratefully accepted, Alan
Bilge leak
- Thread starter aclaunch
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Silicone probably not a good idea
From what i've read in the posts, silicone shouldn't be used below waterline on a boat (or above for that matter). Maybe some 5200 might be better temporarily. If it was me in this situation, I would haul the boat asap if not sooner and have it inspected. At least make sure your batteries are charged and the bilge pump is in good shape. When you say below a keel bolt, does that mean in the vicinity or directly underneath? Do you have a picture of the area? Manny
From what i've read in the posts, silicone shouldn't be used below waterline on a boat (or above for that matter). Maybe some 5200 might be better temporarily. If it was me in this situation, I would haul the boat asap if not sooner and have it inspected. At least make sure your batteries are charged and the bilge pump is in good shape. When you say below a keel bolt, does that mean in the vicinity or directly underneath? Do you have a picture of the area? Manny
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