I'd had a leak somewhere on my kayak for a while and couldn't seem to find it. I've gotten good at gently launching, but sliding the boat in and out of my 2nd floor window, and resting it on end when doing so takes it's toll, and I got a roll of duct tape and decided I'd fix it all yesterday. This may be obvious to some but it was new to me so I thought I'd share.

I took the kayak outside and placed it on two stools that had foam cradles on them. I poured 5 gal of water into the cockpit, and then elevated one end of the boat with the bucket on the aft stool to send the water down one end. Found leaks, marked them, then sent the water down the other way and dried/taped the leaks. Repeat until they're all found on the bottom up to the sheer line or so (except near the cockpit). Then send the water down one end and flip the boat look for deck and seam leaks. Less important but why not as long as I'm here. Then tilt side to side to find leaks on the sides near the cockpit.

This was more useful than I expected it to be, because some leaks were invisible without the telltale drips, and other worn spots looked like they were likely culprits but didn't leak at all. Took it out afterwards in the waves and everything held up great. Duct tape is unbelievable.