I12. Air Leak in tube in forward hatch

I purchased a used 2013 Hobie I12s a few months ago from a private party. I inflated it for a few days and used it once with no issues. The second time out I noticed the floor seemed soft and could hear an air leak inside the forward hatch. By using soap and water I discovered the air leak right by the seam of the small tube a few inches forward of the hatch. No damage or marks on the outside of the hull, it seems the seam just gave way.

Rather than try to fix it myself I brought it to my local Hobie dealer, Progressive Sports in Daytona for repair. They have had the kayak for three weeks trying to fix the leak with no success and seem to be at a loss. They used up all the patch material and asked me to go to West Marine to purchase additional material to for them to try to some more.

Any suggestions?

Is the kayak still under warranty if I am the second owner? Another inflatable kayak owner said he had the same leak in the same spot. Hobie told him it could not be repaired and Hobie replaced the kayak but he was the original owner and had bought it from a different dealer.

Thanks for any help.

Ralph

I believe the warranty stays with the boat regardless of chain of ownership. Your dealer should know, but email Hobie if unsure.

Some people have has luck using Toobseal or similar products for hard-to-find or hard-to-patch leaks. May not be appropriate for a bad seam though.

I read about toobseal on this site and thought it might be an option but I wanted ask around here first and get some experienced insight or direct advice from Hobie before proceeding. I also don't want to void the warranty and don't know if pouring toobseal in the air chamber might void it.