: I have just recently completed my Outer Island kayak and have used it on open
: water 5 times now. Upon returning home , I'm fanatical about wiping it
: down and drying out any water inside the cockpit. Because I'm being extra
: careful to wipe down every surface, I reach my hand up under the foredeck
: surface and find it wet with water( enough that I can use the sponge to
: absorb most of it. I have to admit that with my other( plastic) kayak, I
: was never so picky about the water in the cockpit and probably never put
: my hand on the surface under the foredeck. I'm wondering if anyone else
: has experienced this and is it possible that this is condensation from my
: perspiration of legs and waist ( I use a neoprene skirt and the weather is
: still quite warm here). I can't imagine that the top deck of my boat is
: leaking! 3 coats of resin and 4 of urethane...no way! I do have three
: holes on each side of foredeck where my straps are attached for running
: bungee cords; but I have sealed these, prior to insertion of screws and
: now have since caulked the nuts under the deck. Obviously my boat isn't
: going to sink with this amount of water, but I would sure feel better
: about my building skills if someone else could agree that its
: condensation. Of coarse water is all over the top deck in that area as the
: paddle is raised back and forth and water splashes over the top as waves
: break over it. I have a small section of rear deck behind cockpit( it also
: has screws and nuts in it) and I never feel water under the deck there. It
: really seems to be above where my legs are. Any thoughts would be
: appreciated.
: PS You are not allowed to suggest that I strip the finish back down to the
: wood , recaulk wood strips and then reglass!!!
: Thanks,
: Marc Morgan

Marc,

If you are paddling in the ocean any leak will be salt water, condensation is essentially distilled water. Wet your finger from the underside of your deck and taste it.

Dave