Leak Finding: Northern Lite
Hi guys, I have an old (mid 90s) 9'6" northern lite. It's seen a lot of use over the years, and is getting a bit cranky. I've spent the past while trying to track down a very small leak that sh...
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The Northern Lite (and Bigfoot) top clamshell overlaps the bottom, so it will not leak even if not sealed or fastened. They are haphazardly sealed, and fastened with many sheet metal screws. The trim has no sealing function at all, it merely hides the screw heads from view. There is no problem glassing it over, it isn't done by the factory because of cost. It will also be difficult to make look very good.
The pressure test is the best way to track an obscure leak. Close all the doors and windows, devise a means to pressurize (slightly!) the interior with a large shop vac outlet or a leaf blower. The spray a bubbly substance like Windex on the suspected leaking areas. One of the complications to this is finding all of the big holes left underneath or in cabinetry, these need to be stuffed with something at least temporarily if they leak too much pressure away. If you are successful in getting it pressurized, you are likely to find many small leaks that aren't yet leaking visibly water inside.
The pressure test is the best way to track an obscure leak. Close all the doors and windows, devise a means to pressurize (slightly!) the interior with a large shop vac outlet or a leaf blower. The spray a bubbly substance like Windex on the suspected leaking areas. One of the complications to this is finding all of the big holes left underneath or in cabinetry, these need to be stuffed with something at least temporarily if they leak too much pressure away. If you are successful in getting it pressurized, you are likely to find many small leaks that aren't yet leaking visibly water inside.
