waterproofing

[G7AFM]

What do folks use to reseal bolts through plastic ww boats do you use aquaseal or fibre washers/rubber washers or any other solutions to keep the wet stuff out.

[neonbowhawk]

I used rubber (i think they were neoprene off ebay )washers and they worked really well. You may have to lube them a bit so they don't deform as they twist when you tighten the bolt head. Or PU sealer would work well.

Dont use silicone sealer it is rubbish

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[G7AFM]

cheers was thinking of using bicycle inner tube cut into small sections.

[Chris Bolton]

bicycle inner tube cut into small sections

That's what I'd try. Aim to make a smooth hole just big enough to get the bolt through (maybe a paper punch would do it?). You could also try covering the whole inner end (nut & washers) with hot melt glue from a glue gun (it's just low melting point plastic so fuses well to the boat without melting it significantly).

[Eggy_the_Viking]

I use PTFE tape, same as plumbers use on sealing pipework; if its good enough for radiators under pressure and heat it's definitely good enough for a kayak. Less than 30 pence from your local screwfix;

https://www.screwfix.com/p/ptfe-tape-12mm-x-12m/76841

[Yew]

I don't think PTFE would work very well, it's designed for sealing on the threads, rather than giving a face-seal like we get with washers on a kayak

[G7AFM]

Luckily getting some freebe spare plastic sealing washers with o rings.

[StoneWeasel]

My solution has always just been to loosen the bolt slightly, blob in some silicone sealant, do the bolt up, wipe away any excess.

This has always worked well for me and is super quick and easy.

Denzil

[Neptune]

I do the same as Denzil and also check regularly if any of the screws, knuts or bolts have come loose whilst kayaking, particularly if I have been on runs where I have had bumps or scrapes.

Peter