Testing boat restore for hull leaks

[Jeffm602]

I have a 1974 WesCraft Mustang (which is basically a Glasstron v-156). I am doing stringer/floor restore and I have found many cracks in the hull which I have repaired with fiberglass. What is the best way to test a boat for any leaks that I am not seeing? I just want to make sure there are no other cracks before replacing the stringers, foam, and floor. I have heard to fill the boat up with water but I just fill uneasy about that and I would like opinions on the best way lol.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Testing boat restore for hull leaks

The internal water test for leaks is an aluminum boat thing and I don't suggest it for a fiberglass boat, especially if it doesn't have the stringers installed.

I would maybe suggest doing a light test to see if you have any bigger cracks. In the dark, set a strong light source in your boat and crawl under to see if you can see any light shining through any cracks.

If you're really concerned about having smaller cracks, I would install the stringers and then do a layup of 1.5 oz. CSM on the inside of the boat to make sure everything is sealed up and reinforced. This will require grinding the entire inside of the hull and you may want to do it now instead of grinding after the stringers are installed.

 

[Jeffm602]

Re: Testing boat restore for hull leaks

Thanks jigngrub. Also wondering how to split the cap on the glastron v-156 not sure if mine will differ because it's a WesCraft boat.
If there has been a write up on it can someone direct me to that thread

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Testing boat restore for hull leaks

Post up some pics so we can see what you're working on.

 

[hawk200282]

Re: Testing boat restore for hull leaks

I had the same problem with cracks.

I just put mine in the water after finishing up the stringers to test for leaks. I then left it in over night to be sure.

 

[Jeffm602]

Re: Testing boat restore for hull leaks

 

[Jeffm602]

Re: Testing boat restore for hull leaks

Transom feels pretty solid I fiberglassed the back to cover up alot of screw holes. Previous owner had all kinds of mounts on the back. Middle picture is where I fiberglassed top and bottom of a crack that was about 2 inches wide in the center and about 4 inches long

 

[Jeffm602]

Re: Testing boat restore for hull leaks

Also there is no drain at the bottom of the boat I swear the previous owner moved it up above the floor

 

[Jeffm602]

Re: Testing boat restore for hull leaks

 

[Jeffm602]

Re: Testing boat restore for hull leaks



The drain is right below the engine mount, all glasstron v-156's that I have seen the drain is right above the keel on the transom