Came across an old Aquaterra Sail Tube recently.



It appears to be in generally good shape, but to perform as intended, I must deal with a couple of known issues:

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=51385

The end cap latches are inadequate and don't securely hold the end cap on. Many end caps have been lost during trailering.



This issue is relatively easy and cheap to deal with, simply purchase and install something more robust. Here is what I plan to use from Home Depot, Everbilt sku # 14569 in stainless, one per side:



The other more problematic issue is the top cap at the end of the tube opposite the end cap. All efforts at sealing it from water leaks are fruitless. It is almost as if it were designed to leak as the latches penetrate the mating channel at its lowest point.



Any experience/ideas to deal with the leak in the top cap short of buying the current Hobie type which is reported to still leak if fitted to the Aquaterra tube in the Hobe post referenced above?



Edited by leeboweffect on Nov 24, 2015 - 03:26 PM.

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Hobie 16 (3 formerly)
MacGregor 25 (formerly)
Chrysler Dagger 14 (formerly)
NACRA 5.0 (currently)
High Point, NC
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I have zero experience with this type, but the leaking issue seems to be that the channel around the 'door' sits lower than the surrounding area and so collects water. There is no way I can see to prevent water from coming in once it has pooled in the channel.

So the only thing I can think of would be to bridge the gap between the door and the body of the box. I have the same issue with my box and haven't had the time to work on it, but here is what I am thinking...

1) epoxy a single layer of fiberglass over the crack. After placing cellophane tape down on the body. This should allow the water to run off instead of pool.

2) for the hinge, replace the hasp types with a waterproof piano hinge. This both bridges the gap and acts as a hinge.


Other options include some type of house flashing.