Trade Secrets: How Can You Protect Your Wooden Boat from Water Damage?

Water damage can significantly shorten the lifespan of a wooden boat. So, how can you defend your boat against water penetration and keep it looking smart for longer?

How Does Marine Epoxy Help in Waterproofing Surfaces?

Coating with marine epoxy is a fantastic strategy for waterproofing surfaces and preventing wood rot. However, there are some potential weak points in your structure’s epoxy armour that many people forget to address.

What Causes Water Penetration in Wood?

Screw holes, even if coated with varnish, can allow water to penetrate wood. This is due to moisture finding its way into the wood during so-called ‘thermal cycling’. The wood expands in sunlight and, due to increased pressure, air is forced out of it through the unprotected screw holes and end grain. Then, as the day ends and the wood cools back down, it contracts and the air rushes back in through these weak outlets. Unfortunately, water and the moisture in the air rushes in too, leading to warped or discoloured wood and peeling or lifting varnish.

How Can You Avoid Water Penetration?

It’s simple. Apply a few drops of WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy to the pilot holes or use a pipe cleaner to quickly swab the screw hole prior to running the screw into place.

The best epoxy for protecting pilot holes against water damage would be the 105 Epoxy Resin® with the 205 Fast Hardener®.

What If You Need to Remove the Screws Later?

The best practice is to apply a wax or mould release to the screws. If you forget to do this, then you can always just use a soldering iron to heat the fastener head for removal.