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I have a 11 foot Sport with a bad ding on the bow. I've had it dry docked over the winter and need to repair the opening. How can I tell if water has entered thru the damaged bow? If there is water intrusion, how would I dry it out?

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Weigh the boat to determine water in the hull. Compare to factory specs.
Garris

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WOW! So I'd have to disassemble the boat and weigh it? Really? Is there a less complicated way?

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You can figure out your rigging weight and subtract. There are also "moisture guns" that can be pointed at the hulls (I do not know makes or reliability). Thump and listen. Determining the amount of water in a hull is no simple task. The more precisely you measure, the better the results.
Garris

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OK Thanx. If there is water in the hull, how do I dry it out?

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Let's hope other chime in. I personally have not attempted water removal.
Garris

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When I got my boat, a crazed bass fisherman decided he knew how to install a trolling motor on the bow...but he didn't. When I opened up the area, water actually did not go that far from the intrusion site. Where my boat leaked was on the seating mounts and those dumb brass drain tubes. If you question it, you can take non invasive steps to remove the water but it takes time. Around the damaged area quarantine the area like a termite tent in clear plastic, and stick a small bucket of damp-rid inside sealing it completely in with masking tape. If you are not in the frozen tundra, put it out in the sun it'll go much quicker. I did this to the enitire boat and was highly effective, and it made its fighting weight before we sealed it up. See link:

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u...620913.jpg

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u...994f91.jpg

In the second photo you can see the large bucket of damp rid up near the access port the "hacker" cut in the bow, about 8" diameter hole. This worked well.