Leak Tests - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

greenscales · 01-08-2010, 11:50 PM

I had a lot of problems solving similar problems with my kayak--and after 10 years it is the driest it has ever been.

Diagnostics - you need access to an air compressor then get soapy water and a rag or sponge. Keep everything sealed except your drain plug. Soap up all seals around hatches, if you have any other known holes (like for transducer wires) cover them with duct tape, then blow air in the drain plug. You may need a second person to do this while you use the soapy water to recover all of the seals and look for bubbles. If you have any leak issues, the bubbles will be apparent. If none show, then hit the scupper holes and other likely areas. If still nothing shows - then definitely get a second person and cover the whole kayak with the soap and water.

Once you determine where the leak is located, then re-post and you will get a bunch of fix recommendations. If you still do not find the source of the leak, then at least you now have a clean kayak.

Good luck.

01-08-2010, 11:50 PM	#7
greenscales greenscales Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Monrovia Posts: 116	Air instead of water I had a lot of problems solving similar problems with my kayak--and after 10 years it is the driest it has ever been. Diagnostics - you need access to an air compressor then get soapy water and a rag or sponge. Keep everything sealed except your drain plug. Soap up all seals around hatches, if you have any other known holes (like for transducer wires) cover them with duct tape, then blow air in the drain plug. You may need a second person to do this while you use the soapy water to recover all of the seals and look for bubbles. If you have any leak issues, the bubbles will be apparent. If none show, then hit the scupper holes and other likely areas. If still nothing shows - then definitely get a second person and cover the whole kayak with the soap and water. Once you determine where the leak is located, then re-post and you will get a bunch of fix recommendations. If you still do not find the source of the leak, then at least you now have a clean kayak. Good luck.