I have recently built a woodie Ellipsis. As this was the first yacht I have built there were a number of leaks to track down. I think I have found the culprits and sealed them but one remains. I have removed the fin and inverted the yacht. Having sealed the hole for the retaining bolt I filled the fin box with water . After a few minutes the level dropped by 3/4. So it appears the box itself is leaking probably through the seams (It is a fibreglass moulding).

Clearly I can't use any sort of bulky sealer as I won't be able to insert the fin. I was thinking of using some sort of super glue. I need one that is runny to penetrate the leak and waterproof. Suggestions please. I would also be interested to hear of any other method that might work. (There is no access from within the hull).

Thanks Ian

Caution....I have used this pproduct on full size yachts (to seal a leaky forehatch) with success. I haven't used it on my IOM... The product is Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure.  It wicks its way into gaps...

Many thanks for the suggestion. It has given me ideas. Ian

Hi Ian,

I would be reluctant to go with anything that a decent epoxy would not seal properly over as a half fix. Best also not to go in through the fin case but to fix internally which can be tricky dependent on access, but will be a better long term option.

You identified the approximate height of the split or pin hole. To only take a couple of minutes to drain that far, it is not a tiny hole, but certainly not a significant split. Easily fixed.

• Repeat the process of filling the fin case with water with hull upturned and tape over the bolt hole.
• Where the water level finishes is the level of the pin hole. Try to mark or make a reference of this height/depth.
• now tilt and set the boat up from one end as high as possible so that remaining water doesn’t leak out over the hull. Does the water level continue to leak into the hull? If so, let  the water to drain until finished. If not, repeat and tilt boat from other end. This will better locate the point of leak.
• once better located, mix a thickened epoxy glue mix and use a stick, or even gloved finger to smear over the identified area on the inside of the hull.
• once dried, repeat the water filling process to see if fixed and if not, go at it again. 

if you can get to the inside of the hull easily, a scuff with some paper and a clean with meths or similar before applying glue will help it bond better. I hope this helps as there is no reason for a leaky boat😉

Cheers

Brad