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New User
Posts: 3
| Hey Guys,
I've got a leak along the keel of my Alum Starcraft 19 ft Center Counsel. I put a garden hose in the bilge and turned it on till I found the leak. It's along a seam that follows the keel. Some type of cover is riveted along the keel it appears to be a guide. the back of the "keel guide is open" so I'm guessing that it's there for protection and not water proof.
I'm wondering if any one has had a leak problem and how they handled it. I'm not the first owner so Starcraft will not honor any warrantee as thats only for the first owner.
I'm going to try to fix this myself, and am looking at sealing the leak with 3M 5200 then covering the keel gaurd with Gluvit and sealing the back that is open.
Hopefully someone will have a hint as to a better way to do this. I'm pretty much open to all suggestions.
Tim |
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Member
Posts: 168
| Tim,
A buddy of mine had some leaks in his aluminum hull, rivots, and I suggested using JB Weld. He put it on a month ago or so and it is still not leaking. Not sure if it would work for your situation, but from my own experiance, that stuff has saved me a lot of $$$ over the years.
Chris |
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Member
Posts: 8
| I used the epoxy that comes in the stick form on my old boat 6 years ago and was still working last spring when I picked up my new boat. Used steel wool to prep the area and then worked it in the split which was about 4 inches long and 18 inch wide at it is worst. |
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Member
Posts: 8
| I meant 1/8 inch wide. |
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| If it is the same design like the other Starcrafts, Sylvans, and Smokercrafts I have seen that developed keel leaks, it is probably toward the front... correct?
If so- Are you positive the narrow sheet of aluminum riveted on...covering the keel area where the two sides of the bottom look like they would come together (but don't quite, actually) isn't cracked? Look really close and make sure that doesn't have a crack in it. |
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New User
Posts: 3
| T-mac
I'll check the keel gaurd after I post this, but yes your correct. The worst of the leak seems to be forward along the keel.
Guys, thanks for the other ideas too! I'm hoping some type of outer selant can take care of the problem. As getting to thei from the inside will be a huge job. That would mean removing the gas tank, center counsel and all the floor boards, defiantely a winter job.
Tim |
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| If it is a crack, a patch can be welded on the outside.
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Member
Posts: 33
Location: Plymouth WI | You can use a quality marine epoxy to patch your leak this will be stronger than the aluminum itself. 3M or West systems are two that I know of. Both of these brands are used in building yachts as well as other repairs. |
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| Ok i find a little humor in using epoxy(fiberglass) to patch a alum boat! Everyone have a nice day! |
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Member
Posts: 73
Location: NW Illinois | Hey Greenslip, I have a Starcraft Superfisherman that also has a very small leak on the keel near the bow. Previous owner used silicone caulk on it, and that does not work. I was thinking of using 3M epoxy sealant, but had not thought of JB Weld. The epoxy is not fiberglass, it is a two part epoxy resin. I make it, so I know it is good stuff! Let us know how your repair turns out and what you used. I will do the same!
John |
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