I use an old Valley 7" hatch that was still serviceable but not ideal for continued use, then silicone in a tire fill valve. I use compressed air from a compressor (don't over do it, though my Nordkapp would blow the hatch before anything else due to its reinforced nature). Use soapy dishsoap liquid and water mixed, and brush it on. Bubbles are easily observed if present. Don't make the soap to runny with water. Tire stores do something similar if they don't have a dunk tank for testing tire mounting and repairs. Some kayaks, like those with plastic "H" seams, sometimes can be difficult to track down the leak if the air is migrated away. I can't fathom (pardon the pun) even remotely why an experienced paddler would venture off into potentially heavy seas trusting only the reputation of the manufacturer, though I'm sure 99% do that. I've witnessed and heard first and second hand boat leak stories. I think it is one of the few things that I find really upsetting to me to undergo while sea kayaking. I've had a breached hull myself while winter storm paddling on the remote shores of Vancouver Island and in-season touring, and once even spit my seams in storm-tossed logs. I much prefer to minimize the occurrence of these types of incidents (ergo my reinforced hull, seams, and testing regime). I've heard of filling your kayak (very partially) with colored water, then testing for leaks breaching through. Admittedly, I'm pretty anal about this kind of stuff. It's a matter of taking responsibility for yourself. With a home made boat, I'd be just as rigorous, if not more so. I don't know what the building forums suggest. My method was adopted after a local kayak retailer showed me how he tested hid boats (all British heavies with he rubber hatches). Well, your YSMV (your sinkage may vary). BTW, I doubt the wave height were as the reporter described. Most media reporting add an exaggerating factor. I always prefer authors and reporters to downgrade to as close as possible the real wave heights/wind velocity. It doesn't take much to cause an upset, test gear and boat to the maximum, and drain paddling energies. Readers looking for relevance need to hear the real facts so as to provide a realistic appraisal for their own yardsticks. Doug Lloyd Victoria BC > Doug > How do you pressurize your boat so you can look for leak? I am putting > the finishing touches of a Gillemot Double and the leaks are a concern. > Thanks in advance *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Apr 02 2007 - 13:59:15 PDT
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