Repairing leaks in thru-hull rudder shaft (tube): always wear protactive goggles and gloves.

  1. Make sure the inside of the canoe is completely dry. Remove the rudder. If you have determined that the leak is near the bottom of the rudder shaft, the canoe will be supported right side up. If you have determined that the leak is located at the top of the rudder shaft, the canoe will be supported upside down.
  2. Fill a plastic composites syringe with an ounce of catalyzed epoxy. Place your thumb over the bottom end of the rudder shaft so as not to allow any resin to drip out of the shaft. Place the syringe over the top of the shaft and pump the resin into the shaft hole.
  3. Wipe off any resin that may have dripped onto the surface of the boat. Seal your mouth around the opening and plow air into the shaft hole. This will force resin through any cracks or tunnels that lead into the inside of the hull.
  4. Tape off the bottom of the tube and allow the resin to harden fully.
  5. Redrill the hole to size with a 5/16 inch drill bit.
  6. Retest for leaks. If leaks, repeat the repair. Note: if the inside of the canoe was not completely dry, nothing you attempt for repair will work.