Leaking Ply Boat

[iankenny]

I have 16ft 30 year old ply boat, and seem to have a couple of minor leaks along the keel - I was thinking about putting a layer of tar along the outside of the keel, and on the inside of the hull, but having read the forums I'm not sure if this is a good idea - is anybody able to advise on the best way to fix leaks

 

[trouville]

Nothing wrong with tar! But remember once you tar the bottem you wont be able to go back to paint.

Tar outside but not inside unless you enjoy getting stick black tar over you each time you sail!!

 

[trouville]

If i were doing the job, and i am on an old ply flying dutchman, though not thr same. I would as a tempory solution use "sikaflex" polyurathen sand down the seems smeer the goo over the suspect joint the usesmoothing tool wet to fair off.

A leek proof boat. It wont solve the real problem but you can sail for the season then come winter you can take it off (the humidity behind will push it off) and scarf the seams.

Tar will work but the boat will slowly weaken, and removing tar is hard work.

Do you want to keep her or just use her?