caulking between tides

[sazzylou]

Having to recaulk a section of garboard between tides, ive been wondering whether red lead putty used for stopping will be able to adhere to the wet seam. ive seen a goo called 'black pudding' advertised (traditional boat supplies) which it is claimed is ideal for use on a wet hull. does any forumite have experience of the product? i vaguely remember references to a mixture of cement powder and roofing bitumin being troweled into seams, again any comments or suggestions would be gratefully recieved!

 

[fisherman]

presumably you have a leak, is it a new or long term problem?

 

[sazzylou]

ive just bought the boat, so its new to me, but not new to the boat!

 

[alb40]

Spose its worth a try. It wont hurt. If it works, then it will do ya until you next take it out for the water for a proper repair.

 

[fisherman]

What's the boat?

 

[fluffc]

Although I've no experience at this; I'd be a tad worried about caulking between tides. I mean if it goes wrong you'll have a boat with 1" of freeboard...

Would it not be better to put a tingle on until you next properly slip the boat?

 

[fisherman]

No worries, seen a bloke change a plank between tides.

 

[sazzylou]

fisherman:the boat is a 21 foot carvel launch, of unknown age and origin

 

[fisherman]

There's a lot of stuff on the net that might suit you. As someone else said, make a repair until you can haul out and do it properly. It may be it just needs recaulking, but, (and don't panic) it also may be worth checking keelbolts, frames, to see if repairs are needed. Keelbolts sounds like a disaster, but it's not the end of the world by any means. It was discussed on here recently.

If you start whacking in caulking with a mallet and there is a structural problem you tend to force the seam apart further along, so you end up caulking the lot and it still needs repairing in the end.

There are people on here who have rebuilt boats from little more than the nameplate and a rudder pintle, so plenty of better advice than mine to be had: someone will come along with a more informed opinion in a minute.

 

[skipperscouse]

agree that tingle may be best for short term. but could you not '' neap '' her ? presumably you're on a tidal mooring, that'll give you much more time.
good lock, pete

 

[fisherman]

I wonder if a post on PBO would get more response?

 

[Victorious]

There is little problem to caulking between tides.
Rake out the seam ..fettle it a bit if it's tatty .brush some primer in it.( Cotton caulking needs primer or it will rot)... bang some caulking in it... and prime it again... primer does not take long to dry enuff for some red lead to take to it .
Antifoul seems to be fine even if done only a few mins before the tide gets it wet.
Done this sorta thing many times... never had a significant problem.

The wisdom of caulking a garboard without knowing the history and inspecting the boat?... I would not like to comment, so thats your call.

 

[Transcur]

Before putting in any caulking material DO check that the fastenings to the keel are sound, if not you will just be driving the garboard away from the keel rabbett. If you use a blow torch/ hot air gun to dry out the seam that will help. As Russel said if you prime the seams and allow to dry the stopping will stick.
I have replaced planks between the tide, yes it is worrying , thigh boots are often needed, unleess of course you like wet cold feet!!!!!!