Caulking Dried up Seams

[sisu1959]

I've got a 27' spidsgatter that's been out of the water for 4 months for repairs (rebuild is more like it). It's mahogany on oak, traditionally caulked below the waterline. Having been out of the water for so long, the planks have shrunk and the seams have opened up. So here's my question: Should I soak the hull before recaulking? The planks are in great shape, but 1/8" off the mark. She was tight when I hauled her.

Thoughts?

[oakman]

Yes, I would soak the boat before caulking. Careful though, you do not want to fill the boat up, obviously the water will run out the open seams, but watch the level once she starts to take up. I have garboard drain plugs which are nice, just wash all the junk out.

With Mahogany it will take longer for you to see the results but it will swell enough, plus you get to wash all the stuff left behind after the vac.

Oakman

[sisu1959]

Thanks for the tips!