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How to Seal a Boat Hull

If your boat takes on too much water, it will sink. That's the simple reality of seafaring and the reason why hull maintenance is so important. The ideal time to seal your hull is at the onset of winter, after you've enjoyed the best sailing weather the year had to offer. Then you can get it all ship-shape for the following year. Be precise and meticulous when sealing your hull. A moment of carelessness can mean expensive or dangerous consequences.

Things You'll Need

Pressure washer
Sander
Epoxy or fairing compound
Anti-fouling paint

Instructions

- 1
  Get the boat out of water and turn it upside down. Clean the hull with a pressure washer.
- 2
  Inspect the hull carefully for blisters, which are swollen spots of absorbed water. Take Boat Safe's advice and remove any anti-fouling paint to expose the blisters. Boat maintenance expert Sandy Lindsey recommends sanding open the blisters. Observe water weeping from the blisters.
- 3
  Wait a month or two to allow this process to complete, advises Boat Safe.
- 4
  Use epoxy or fairing compound to fill the blister holes. Allow the epoxy to cure, following the package instructions. You might choose to cover the entire hull with epoxy to prevent further blisters, although this can be an expensive choice.
- 5
  Repaint the hull with anti-fouling paint.

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