5 replies to this topic

[DothaDoo]

I recently purchased a 2007 speedster 150 SC with 29 hrs on it, with the wake tower. I had a 2003 Sportster 4-tec 155 before and really liked it until I got the Speedster. Here is the issue. In my Sportster, I had a leak between the hull and deck, aft port middle area when I put the boat in the water as well as when I slowed down and water come over the swim platform. Well, the was bc someone who had the boat before me apparently backed into something and popped the rivets and adhesive away. I tried to resolve this by putting 5200 caulk between the rub rail, but this did not do the trick. Well I left it alone as it was not a whole lot of water being taken in, just more annoying than anything.

Well I was initially having engine problems with the new Speedster and I was checking out the engine bay and noticed there was water present. I immediately thought I had some kind of hose leak, so I backed it down in the water, still on the trailer and started it up, looking for any obvious water intrusion. Upon further inspection, I found it was leaking in the same exact spot as my Sportster, which is the aft section of the boat, more on the port/middle area. It is difficult to see under there but there is a small steady stream of water coming in when sitting with the rub rail below the water line. FYI, this boat has not been hit or damaged in any way. I have done nothing to try and resolve this, but wondered if anyone else has had this issue. I have considered some of that Flex Seal, sprayable rubber sealant, as the 5200 did not do the trick.

The engine trouble was just the spark plugs, so that part was resolved.

[trailblazor]

I know it's tough to get in there but can you provide a pic?

[DothaDoo]

I will see what I can do. It will be a couple weeks before I can get back in the boat.

[trailblazor]

The manufacturing process for the speedsters is to use rivets to connect the upper half to the hull. The rub rail is not designed to be below the water line. However, with added weight of people entering and exiting the aft section of the boat, or when boat is launched, water could enter the boat in the aft section. As long as water is not gushing in, I would not be concerned. 

If you are concerned, you can remove the rub rail, and gently pry the two pieces apart and place a marine grade silicone in between the rivets.

[Brandon]

I have an '07 155hp and I noticed the exact same thing last summer! It only happens when you put 2 or 3 people on the stern, then the rubrail goes underwater and the water comes in a pretty good clip...that seriously shouldn't be happening. It hasn't posed an issue since then though and the boat stays in the water for 6 months out of the year.

[DothaDoo]

The manufacturing process for the speedsters is to use rivets to connect the upper half to the hull.

You are correct with the rivets. However, they do not rely on the rivets alone. There is an adhesive between the deck and the hull, which should seal out any water, unless there is a section that does not have adhesive or the adhesive bond has been broken for some reason. You should be able to look inside the engine compartment behind the battery and see the adhesive oozing out a little. Water also comes in whenever I slow down quickly and the water comes over the swim platform. Because I had the same issue with the Sportster I owned for two years, I am not overly concerned, but would like to seal it if at all possible. I will just go buy some Flex Seal and let everyone know how well it works. Thanks for the input.