How to Seal the Bulkhead on Kayaks

To avoid water leaks, kayakers must learn how to properly seal the bulkhead of their boats. This can be done by using a special sealant called a fillet. The fillet should connect to the bulkhead on the outside, and the sealant should have a layer of mineral spirits or other similar silicone sealant. You can use a polyethylene glove to apply the sealant, and you can add mineral spirits if you prefer a professional finish. best sit in fishing kayaks

When you’re finished sealing your kayak, you should remove any old sealant by scraping away the damaged parts. This will help the new sealant adhere to a clean surface. Using a ShopVac or other vacuum cleaner, you can clear debris off the bulkhead, and this will prevent the old and new sealant from mixing together. You can also use acetone to clean the area around the bulkhead. It will help remove any dirt or oil that you may have on your hands.

The foam can be made from two different materials: fiberglass and chopped strand mat. The latter is a type of coarse white felt. Chopped strand mat should be laid flat. A polyethylene sheet can be used, but it’s cheaper and less effective. A sheet of glassfiber or fiberglass will work just as well. If you’re unsure of which material will work best for your kayak, you can use plywood or polyethylene sheet.

Kayaks feature a bulkhead on their deck and hull to keep air out and the kayak afloat. These bulkheads are normally sealed when they are bought, but they may not be properly sealed by the manufacturer. Over time, the seal will wear off, causing water leaks. It’s important to re-seal the bulkhead if you want your kayak to stay dry and float.

Another option is to drill a hole in the bulkhead. But you should note that this will let water enter the cockpit. Since the holes are tiny, water would have to be very deep in order to get through. If you do find a leak, you should drill a hole inside the compartment and fit a drain plug. The air pressure inside a watertight compartment changes as the kayak cools down. When this occurs, the hatch cover bulges inwards.

While the bulkhead can be repaired using silicone caulk, a leaky bulkhead will negatively affect the buoyancy of your kayak. It can also ruin the items you store inside its compartments. Therefore, you should inspect the bulkhead seal regularly. If you see it pulling away, reseal it immediately. Make sure to inspect the bulkhead compartment and the cockpit side of your kayak to check for damage.