How to Patch a Boat Hole

Patching a hole in your boat can degrade your boating experience and damage your boat and the items inside of it. Follow these steps to fix the hole before it costs you money.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Water
• Repair kit
• Towels

1. Find the hole in the boat. Large holes are obvious, but some holes are too small to immediately spot. To locate a small hole, watch where the water enters the boat. If you can't identify it that way, take the boat on land and fill it with water. You will see air bubbles coming through the hole.
2. Drain the boat. Work on a dry surface. After the boat empties, use a towel to soak up any remaining water.
3. Identify what material composes your boat. Patching Fiberglass boats will not be repaired in the same way that an aluminum boat will be repaired.
4. If your boat is made from aluminum, either you or a professional should weld the hole closed.
5. Use a polyester resin fiberglass repair kit if you have a fiberglass boat. Spread the epoxy provided to the area around the hole in your boat. Place the patch over the resin. Allow it to dry.
6. Make sure that the hole has been repaired by pouring water in the area and checking the boat for holes again.