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 Post subject: Help With Oasis Leak
PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2017 5:58 pm 
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Joined: Sat May 11, 2013 8:23 pm
Posts: 25
Location: Laguna Vista, TX
I have a 2013 Oasis that I use for fishing salt water once or twice a week, year around (south Texas). This kayak has never given me any serious problems. The kayak has had lots of use, but no abuse. I normally fish alone from the front seat (one or two 20 lbs. dumbbells for ballast placed on the rear hatch) but when I occasionally take an friend I sit in the rear. I fished four days ago (solo) and had no problems. Today I took a friend and we were on the water about 3 to 4 hours (I weigh about 180 and my friend is slightly heavier). It has been a couple months since I last took a friend.

When we landed I discovered about two gallons of water had leaked into the hull. I was shocked because I've never had ANY water in the hull before and I've had it out in some pretty rough water. Today was calm - 3-4 inch chop - NO water came over the gunnels. The only logical explanation (to me, anyway) is that the water came through the hull somewhere. I have examined the hull closely (scupper holes, drive wells, drain holes, seat holes, etc.) and can't identify any areas that even look slightly suspicious.

I'm at somewhat of a loss as to what to check next and how best to check it. Your thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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 Post subject: Re: Help With Oasis Leak
PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2017 7:09 pm 
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Joined: Wed May 11, 2016 1:27 am
Posts: 442
Pressurise hull with reverse vacuum through drain hole. Spray everywhere with soapy water to look for bubbles where there shouldn't be. Wrap some clothes around the drive wells inside hull and take it for a pedal, this will show if there are any hairline cracks there that only open up under pedal pressure. Also check rudder lines to make sure nothing is adrift. Extra weight could lower rear enough to take on water if rudder line sleeve are faulty.


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 Post subject: Re: Help With Oasis Leak
PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 1:09 am 
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Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2007 5:17 pm
Posts: 679
Location: Auckland NZ
The leak is below the waterline.

On a dry day/inside put the boat up on stands of some sort over a surface that will show up any water - i.e. something like smooth concrete but not something like a lawn.

Fill with water to the waterline.

Wait & look for tell tail signs of water under the boat and use this information to track down the location of the crack.

I used this technique to detect a crack in my boat and it worked like a dream pinpointing the area of the leak - what was a bit more difficult was finding the actual crack - it was tiny, almost invisible and in the drivewell (actually under the forward part of the drive where the fore-aft frame rests on the hull). Even though the crack was tiny the pedaling action (I assume it was that) had pumped a lot of water into the boat during a relatively short session. I ended up replacing the hull because it would have been a tricky crack to repair.


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 Post subject: Re: Help With Oasis Leak
PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 6:11 am 
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Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Sat May 11, 2013 8:23 pm
Posts: 25
Location: Laguna Vista, TX
Thanks, Stobbo. I thought of using your suggested method of leak detection but opted for the vacuum-exhaust-pressurization-soap bubble-test and discovered a leak (crack) in the front seat hold-down peg hole. I repaired it with marine sealant and had it on the water yesterday (solo). Hull was dry as a bone when I came in. Next test is going out with both seats occupied. That will come in a few days.

Appreciate the input. I may wind up using your suggestion depending on how the next test goes.

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