Patching an under-bench hole against water

[Ed Seattle]

I'm curious to hear tips on patching or otherwise plugging older holes in the wood floor of a Scamp. Doesn't have to be pretty, just needs to be effective.

We've had our 2011 Scamp 13' for about a year, and recently took it on the longest and rainiest trip we've had yet. It was a few days after returning home to Seattle that we realized that the inside of the passenger-side rear cargo/water tank space was damp and sandy.

Our Scamp doesn't have any built in water tanks (they were removed by a prior owner at some point) but there are still some hoses in place and one hole in the floor in the passenger-side rear bench compartment where a hose used to be. It's <1 inch in diameter, and it's a few inches back from the wheel well. We didn't run into any trouble last year with water getting in, but this last trip was 350 miles where at least 200 were torrential downpour, so it makes sense.

Now that it's all dried out, I'd like to fix it for next time. My mind goes to "hit it with a little dab of spray foam" like you'd use around a doorjamb for insulation purposes, but I'd like to hear other thoughts on how you might deal with a fix in an area you don't normally see.

[Guyd]

Spray foam is not water proof but for your applications it would probably work.
You’re just stopping water spray. To get the best water resistants do not trim or cut the skinned over foam.

[Paul O.]

Lexel is a good non-silicone caulk for all kinds of repairs, sealing holes, etc. I use the clear variety.

[Guyd]

Originally Posted by Paul O.

Lexel is a good non-silicone caulk for all kinds of repairs, sealing holes, etc. I use the clear variety.

I agree, Lexel is an excellent water proof sealent.

[Ed Seattle]

If you were using Lexel for a hole that was 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter, what would be your method? Maybe putting something flush above the hole inside the Scamp, then using Lexel to seal against it from underneath? I'm assuming attempting to fill the hole with Lexel would probably just result in it dripping down.

[Guyd]

If you want the inside level, Place some plastic over the hole and a weight over the plastic (couple books). Level is pretty stiff and won’t drip.

[Taylor Kissinger]

I recommend Abutron two part epoxy hands down. I had a hole in the floor of my 01/19 Scamp. I sealed all the edges layer in fiberglass used their epoxy putty and sealed again it is better than new .