First time wood boat owner...65 Thompson that has been out of water for 5+ years...leaking

by Maurice

(Clanton, Al)

Hello,



My wife inherited a 65 Thompson.



It is in excellent condition. It has been stored in her uncles garage for 5 or more years.



Last weekend we backed it into the water on the trailer.



It took on a good bit of water pretty quickly.



When there was a about 8 inches of water at the stern I pulled back onto level ground.



When I did that the water began seeping dripping out along the whole length of the keel.



I've been told that the wood needs to swell but not sure how to go about doing this.



Currently a mechanic is getting the motor running for us and we will try to put in the water next week.



We have access to a boat lift with a cradle.



My thought is to put it in the water and let it sit on the cradle for a while so it can stay wet and swell.



Is this the correct thing to do?



And if so how long will it take to swell?



And if this does not work what is my next step?



Thanks in advance for any suggestions.



Maurice



Lake Mitchell Alabama



