How to Caulk a Small Wooden Boat
Wooden boat hulls must be caulked from time to time in order to seal the seams and prevent leaks. This is done with marine silicone caulking. Modern caulking is much easier to apply than former methods of repairing seams with rope and tar. Here's how to do it:
Supplies
- Marine silicone caulk
- Caulk gun
- Utility knife
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Varnish
- Paint try
- Brush
- Rag
- Put the caulking tube into the caulking gun.
- Use the utility knife to cut the caulking tube open. The cut should be made on an angle.
- Squeeze the caulking handle until the caulking reaches the end of the cut tube.
- Perform any caulking to the inside of the boat before working on the exterior hull.
- Put the edge of the caulking tube between the vertical seam of boards. Pull of the gun handle until the caulking is dispensed into the seam area. Slowly pull the caulking gun along, filling the seam as you go. Continue filling the seam until you reach the bottom.
- Use your putty knife to smooth the caulking out flat.
- Examine the area, which you are working if more separated boards are found apply more caulking to seal them. Continue the process until all the seams have been caulked.
- Use the same process to caulk the horizontal seams of the boat. Continue until each of the horizontal seams has been filled with the marine caulking.
- Place the boat upside down on a boat stand. Use the same process as before for caulking each of the exterior seams. Start with the vertical seams and continue until the horizontal are also filled.
- Allow the sealant to dry completely. Follow the manufacturer's guideline on drying times, as they can vary depending on product and weather conditions.
- Use your sandpaper to sand the caulking down to the same surface as the wood.
- Wipe any dust from the sanding process with your rag.
- Varnish the boat to finish.