I just got my new Shearwater 125 and took it out a few times. Today when I was getting ready for tomorrow’s trip I heard water in hull. How to I get the water out of there? I’m a novice to kayaking so any info would be appreciated.

Look for the drain plug. Not sure where it is on that particular kayak but it should have one. Then you'll want to find out how the water got in the hull to begin with.

Thanks for the tip and the video link!

I'd forget about finding the leak for now and just get back on the water...

If you look on the Shearwater 125 group on Facebook, there have been a couple of new Shearwaters that have sunk and taken on alot of water.

On my kayak it is a lot faster to just place it on a slope bow-down, open the front hatch and sponge out the water, then it is to use the plug. If you have a split in a scupper column causing the leak it can be difficult to find and repair.

Checking for a leak is a good idea. That said every kayak with a hatch of any kind will leak a little. Some will disagree but plastic flexes, expands and shrinks, seals get dirt in them....its just part of the game. If you have a "real leak" like a crack in the hull its worth fixing. If you spend all day on the water and end up with a few cups of water then just keep a sponge with you. I have seen everything from hobies, natives etc....they all leak at some point.

Finding the leak can be a huge challenge.

What I would do.
1. Make sure the hull is dry
2. Line the entire inside of the hull with newspaper
3. Launch the Kayak with a PFD on and paddle for 15min staying close to shore
4. Find the area of wet newspaper--this will be the general area where the leak is.
5. Focus your search, and if you find it, fix it with a plastic weld.


The most common areas for leaks,
--scupper holes
--drain plugs
--for kayaks with a drive system, the drive housing area
--keel
--hatches (this is less likely if you are having leaks on calm days)
--seams in the kayak rotomold or injection mold.


The traditional methods of finding leaks don't work very well
--filling the kayak hull with water and looking for the leak (most leaks are dynamic and only leak when there is stress on the hull) Now filling the hull above the water line, then sitting in the kayak might yield more success.
--rubbing the surface of the hull with soapy water than pumping air into the kayak (works well if the kayak is air tight--but most hatches these days are not air tight)

I always carry a hand water pump and a sponge. The pump works when you have a good amount of water in the hull. The sponge is good for small amounts of water. But this only works if you have hull access from the seat. Otherwise you have to go to shore, get out and either sponge or pump the water out.