YACHTING STEADFAST · video

What this video covers

Steven Uhthoff pours hot asphalt into the bilge pockets of a wooden boat's bow during a full rebuild, sealing spaces that previously held Portland cement.Watch The work takes place in the forward section of the vessel, around a crash bulkhead, a new purpleheart stem, longleaf yellow pine planking repurposed from a Pennsylvania factory, and a large oak bit tied to the anchor retaining system.0:37 The asphalt is a number three low-odor roofing product, melted outside at roughly 400 degrees and poured in from the exterior so it flows into every crack and crevice.1:38 The crew monitors fill levels by watching the asphalt bubble and flow across the knees, calling a stop on the starboard side when it nears full.1:59 Portland cement had previously occupied these pockets but was rejected because it does not adhere to wood and seals poorly compared to asphalt.2:49 The asphalt is also noted as economical.2:58 The practical conclusion: for wooden boat bilge pockets, hot-poured roofing asphalt bonds and seals where Portland cement fails.

More from YACHTING STEADFAST

PITCHING THE BILGE PART II Sealing the bow of a wooden sailing vessel by filling the bilge pockets.Aug 2026PITCHING THE BILGE -- INTRO. How to seal the pockets in the bilge of a wooden boat with asphalt.Aug 2026DROPPING HER INTO THE WATER after two years! If you haven't seen a launch, click here! Quick & easy!Aug 2026STEADFAST is Launched after 23 months of Rebuild, Refit & Hard Labor @yachtingsteadfastJun 2026

From YACHTING STEADFAST — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.