There is a product that is designed to remove old silicone sealer. I'd take a photo of the tube, but have no idea where I put it!I had to peel off some old silicone that was below the rub rail. Use a razor blade and a standard screwdriver, then some 120 grit sandpaper to clean off the residue?
Try storing the Sunfish on the edge with the "suspected pinhole" leaks. Condensation should leak out.Here are some pictures of old silicone, why it was put on below the rub rail I'm not sure? The seam between the hull and the deck is in good shape, maybe there were some pinhole leaks. Also the old bailer was removed. The seam between the hull and the cockpit is in good shape.
Once you've sailed your "new" Sunfish, whether or not the foam is intact at the "soft spot" will become apparent by the sound the hull makes against the waves. The sound is a bit like a dull "boing".Or can you get a soft spot if the foam comes loose in that area?
Here are a couple of the challenges.
1. Previous owners thought deck was soft and delaminating under end of splashguard and drilled holes with thought of injecting epoxy. It flexes a bit, but I've had other boats in much worse shape. 2nd pic is a shot inside (turned sideways) under the right side of the splashguard. Debris is from drilling holes.
We plan to repair and paint the deck. Any suggestions for repair, esp without cutting an inspection hole?
2. Someone started a repair on the hull, looks like they faired it out then stopped. Good news is I can see the underside of thesplashguard area
My plan is to use a good boat as a template to shape a fiberglass patch that we can slip inside the hull, epoxy into place, then layer in the rest of a patch. Putty, feather and paint.