Filling the Cracks

[Ladyhawke]

I have a 24' 3/4" single-planked mahogany runabout that has been out of the water for at least a year, possibly two. The gaps between the planking run anywhere from flush to 1/8". Since I have no desire to dunk it and watch it sink because it takes in water faster than I can pump it, I have been thinking about caulking prior to the big launch. In that way, when the wood swells, the caulking will be squeezed in and out. The mess outside can be shaved flush, the inside left alone. Caulking wet wood seems like a bad idea at best. Incidently, this boat will be trailered and used on weekends only and so will not have the opportunity to swell and stay that way. Does anyone have experience with this situation? Your advice would be appreciated. :confused:

[cdm4]

Don't calk her while dry because when the planks swell they wont just push the calk out of the way. They will try to push themselves out of the way and damage themselves and the frames.

There is a product called Slick Seam that is made of mostly wax that you could use to get you through the first launch. If you can you might just take it to the lake and back it in and let it sit on the trailer for a bit.If it leaks that much, pull it out and let it sit a day or so and then try again. It may stay tight enough if you use it regularly. CM

[Bayboat]

Cdm4 is right about not caulking (with cotton). Slick Seam is available from Jamestown Distributors, and should work well in seams up to 1/8" wide. If you use the boat every weekend it should not dry out too much between wettings. If you are in salt water, you could leave a little water (just a little) in the bilge. If Slick Seam doesn't do the job, try regular seam compound (International paints).