2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

[tomtahoe]

We recently almost sunk our boat due to a combination of events. The bilge pump was bad so it blew the 5A fuse connected directly to the battery. 5A is kind of low when it pulls 5A when pumping water so if there is a bearing problem it will pull more current and blow the fuse leaving you without a bilge pump and you never new there was a fuse blown until you have a bunch of water you need to pump out. Good luck finding that fuse. I put in a 10A fuse, put in a new 1000GPH cartridge pump. Could not find a 1000GPH cartridge pump anywhere for less than a whole new pump. Go figure that one out. Installing a new pump is a PIA! Float switch was also defective. What caused all the water was the baitwell leaking. I plugged up my baitwell outlet hose while on the trailer and filled it to the brim with water and let it sit there awhile. Sure enough water showed in the bilge and it kept leaking until it got down the water inlet level. It is nearly impossible to work on this area due to location. I may need to cut in a new access hole in this area. I talked to Trophy boats and they said they have had some leak issues at the top of the baitwell seal to under the deck that goes bad. I did not have this issue since it kept leaking until below inlet hose area. I highly recommend you check all of the above. We were so full of water we could not pump out, we could only make about 10 MPH to get off the water not sure what our problem was.

 

[dadsaway]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

I am glad you made it back okay. I am new my 1996 2002 FF WA. While it was up on blocks in my driveway I saw a plastic strainer on the bottom of the hull. Upon further investigation I saw that this was the pick up for the livewell. The previous owner had disconnected the livewell and stuck a rubber transom plug through the factory installed 3/8" plywood and into the fiberglass hull. Only about a 1/2" or so of rubber was to be between me and the Altlantic Ocean. I found a more appropriate solution was to install a bronze thru hull fitting and cap. In the future I can install a bronze seacock should I want to activate the livewell. My point is that I was not very impressed with either the factory's initial installation, not the prior owner's remedy. Perhaps you should see if your newer boat has a similar design at the pickup that may be causing your leak. Good luck.

 

[seren]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

We recently almost sunk our boat due to a combination of events. The bilge pump was bad so it blew the 5A fuse connected directly to the battery. 5A is kind of low when it pulls 5A when pumping water so if there is a bearing problem it will pull more current and blow the fuse leaving you without a bilge pump and you never new there was a fuse blown until you have a bunch of water you need to pump out. Good luck finding that fuse. I put in a 10A fuse, put in a new 1000GPH cartridge pump. Could not find a 1000GPH cartridge pump anywhere for less than a whole new pump. Go figure that one out. Installing a new pump is a PIA! Float switch was also defective. What caused all the water was the baitwell leaking. I plugged up my baitwell outlet hose while on the trailer and filled it to the brim with water and let it sit there awhile. Sure enough water showed in the bilge and it kept leaking until it got down the water inlet level. It is nearly impossible to work on this area due to location. I may need to cut in a new access hole in this area. I talked to Trophy boats and they said they have had some leak issues at the top of the baitwell seal to under the deck that goes bad. I did not have this issue since it kept leaking until below inlet hose area. I highly recommend you check all of the above. We were so full of water we could not pump out, we could only make about 10 MPH to get off the water not sure what our problem was.

I have the same boat. I thought with the breaker, the pump would not need a fuse. Can you tell me where is the fuse? Also did you have the leak fixed? Was it where the hose connects to the baitwell or was it the hose itself leaked? I had some water inside the rear bilge area last year. But can't see all of that water from the rain. Other than that where the water came from? The water in the bilge also ruined the washdown/baiwell pump in there. The access to that pump is terrible. So I relocated the pump to the port battery area. I'll see how well will the pump work when I take the boat out of storage next week.

 

[mole2]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

Make sure the seacock for the baitwell is closedwhen running. It may be forcing water up into the baitwell and overfilling it causing the water to run over the top and into the bilge. A lot of these boats don't have the baitwell sealed so the water will run over. Of course if you're using the baitwell then you want the changeover of water and want the seacock open. In that case then check the length of the baitwell drain tube. If it's too long it also will cause the baitwell to fill up and overflow. Cut it so the water doesn't get high enought to overflow. If you're like me and don't use the baitwell then leave the tube out and laying in the bottom of the baitwell so it doesn't build up water at all.

 

[Ghost Chaser]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

We recently almost sunk our boat due to a combination of events. The bilge pump was bad so it blew the 5A fuse connected directly to the battery. 5A is kind of low when it pulls 5A when pumping water so if there is a bearing problem it will pull more current and blow the fuse leaving you without a bilge pump and you never new there was a fuse blown until you have a bunch of water you need to pump out. Good luck finding that fuse. I put in a 10A fuse, put in a new 1000GPH cartridge pump. Could not find a 1000GPH cartridge pump anywhere for less than a whole new pump. Go figure that one out. Installing a new pump is a PIA! Float switch was also defective. What caused all the water was the baitwell leaking. I plugged up my baitwell outlet hose while on the trailer and filled it to the brim with water and let it sit there awhile. Sure enough water showed in the bilge and it kept leaking until it got down the water inlet level. It is nearly impossible to work on this area due to location. I may need to cut in a new access hole in this area. I talked to Trophy boats and they said they have had some leak issues at the top of the baitwell seal to under the deck that goes bad. I did not have this issue since it kept leaking until below inlet hose area. I highly recommend you check all of the above. We were so full of water we could not pump out, we could only make about 10 MPH to get off the water not sure what our problem was.

Same happened to my 2003 2002. Crawled back at 7mph for 9 miles and a coast guard escort. Bilge completely flooded and bilge pump fuse shorted due to water level. Batteries were completley under water and I was certain the boat was going to sink. Made it back in one piece but ruined a Tuna Trip.

After calling AAA and settiing up a claim that was later denied because damage was under $300. Dealer claimed that Y diverter valve which switches from washdown to the baitwell under the seat had ruptured and flooded the bilge. A 20 dollar plastic part placed the boat in jeopardy.
When this happened I was running the baitwell under the sb seat.

Not satisified with the verdict I tested theh bait tank and sure enough it leaked plenty into the bilge. I felt the tank on the inside with my fingers towards the top only to feel about a handful of silicone between the tank
abd the fiberglass. Conclusion: horrible design on the bait tank. One I have read every once in a while but not frequent enough.

I now officially never use that bait well and even when using the washdown pump I get paranoid and use the aft bilge pump to make sure no water is in the bilge from a cheap Y diverter valve rupturing.

Don't get me wrong, still love the boat just will never use the baitwell again.
bought a 25 gallon aquaworld and it runs 20 times better than that factory excuse for a bait well. Trophy owners should speak out on these findings. Although there are few, its good for them to know and improve. I'll bet the same crappy problem exists with even the new models.

 

[h20cali]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

I own a 2004 Trophy 2052 and had the same problem with the bait tank. I taken in about a foot of water while underway and realized at that point I had a problem. After studying the root cause, I determined that the design would probably create a significant number of complaints. Due to the seriousness of this problem, I am surprised there wasn't a recall initiated. I decided whether to abandon the use of the tank, due to the shape of the tank doesn't allow the bait fish to last very long. It appears the bait tend to congregate at the corner of the tank. But it would be nice to have another tank.

If you press down on the inside of the bait tank you will notice that the tank will flex and separate from the upper section of the tank. You will also notice that only half the tank is supported by screws, the outer lip counts on sealant and the strength of the tank to provide support. The plastic tub will flex when filled with 15 gallons of water. So what happens when the tank is filled and and you are underway that the tank flexes due to the motion of the boat. The water then leaks into the bilge when the tank separates.

I called the dealer and he said the tank will need to be resealed, and this will cost you a few hundred dollars to fix. I was surprise that they wanted to charge me to fix a problem that was designed by a 1st grade kid. After some though, sealant isn't a bullet proof design. I don't want to take a chance of being fifty miles off-shore with this problem. I studied where the tank was supported and where it wasn't. I ended up anchoring the tank in addition to resealing it with silicon. I drilled four holes on the outer lip of where the door meets the tank. I used tapered screws with nylon lock nuts and also cut 1 1/2 aluminum strips to provide underside support. I know the extra metal in the tank will not be good for the fish, but I rather have them die instead of me.

So far so good, it has been about six months with no leaks. Hope this helps, and I also installed a removable 27 gallon tank that sits on top of the engine. Will put construction notes on this soon.

Other notes:

5-amp fuse for bilge pump is located on port side above battery

 

[Ghost Chaser]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

I own a 2004 Trophy 2052 and had the same problem with the bait tank. I taken in about a foot of water while underway and realized at that point I had a problem. After studying the root cause, I determined that the design would probably create a significant number of complaints. Due to the seriousness of this problem, I am surprised there wasn't a recall initiated. I decided whether to abandon the use of the tank, due to the shape of the tank doesn't allow the bait fish to last very long. It appears the bait tend to congregate at the corner of the tank. But it would be nice to have another tank.

If you press down on the inside of the bait tank you will notice that the tank will flex and separate from the upper section of the tank. You will also notice that only half the tank is supported by screws, the outer lip counts on sealant and the strength of the tank to provide support. The plastic tub will flex when filled with 15 gallons of water. So what happens when the tank is filled and and you are underway that the tank flexes due to the motion of the boat. The water then leaks into the bilge when the tank separates.

I called the dealer and he said the tank will need to be resealed, and this will cost you a few hundred dollars to fix. I was surprise that they wanted to charge me to fix a problem that was designed by a 1st grade kid. After some though, sealant isn't a bullet proof design. I don't want to take a chance of being fifty miles off-shore with this problem. I studied where the tank was supported and where it wasn't. I ended up anchoring the tank in addition to resealing it with silicon. I drilled four holes on the outer lip of where the door meets the tank. I used tapered screws with nylon lock nuts and also cut 1 1/2 aluminum strips to provide underside support. I know the extra metal in the tank will not be good for the fish, but I rather have them die instead of me.

So far so good, it has been about six months with no leaks. Hope this helps, and I also installed a removable 27 gallon tank that sits on top of the engine. Will put construction notes on this soon.

Other notes:

5-amp fuse for bilge pump is located on port side above battery

Great work but the more I see this The more I think Trophy should be doing something about this poor design. The dealers openly admit the design doesn't work but will still charge you $200.00 to seal something that will never work properly. Unbelievable. Still like the Trophy but what a horrible
Bait tank and safety issue for the new or amateur boater who may never be able to catch these kind of issues with their boat

Is it to late to call Trophy out on this???

 

[h20cali]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

GC I did call Bayliner corporate to notify them of this problem and and their take was to contact a dealer and assess whether they will fix it gratis. The dealer said that the boat was not in warranty and their will be a fee to make the repairs. Their solution was to reseal it with silicon and again I refuse to believe that is the appropriate fix for this problem. I hate to see Trophies sinking because there out of warranty or a bandaid fix is performed.

I hate to say it but Bayliner will probably take action once a lawsuit gets thrown at them. One other thing, it took a few boats trips to be able to correlate the bait tank as the source of the leak. The leaking is minimal when you are standing still, but once you get underway it becomes dramatic. I made it out about five miles when the engine started sputtering and I had so much water in the boat that I had to crawl it back to the marina. Harbor Patrol was on standby if things got worse.

 

[catalanc]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

I am considering the purchase of a 2006 trophy 2052 and am a bit concerned by all this chatter about baitwells. I notice that all the responses come from owners of trophys in the 2003 - 2004 years. has this been addressed in the later models? i presume from reading this forum that there is a seacock (correct terminology?) that prevents water from entering the baitwell and that if this is closed all is ok. correct?
i appreciate the info.
cec

 

[Ghost Chaser]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

GC I did call Bayliner corporate to notify them of this problem and and their take was to contact a dealer and assess whether they will fix it gratis. The dealer said that the boat was not in warranty and their will be a fee to make the repairs. Their solution was to reseal it with silicon and again I refuse to believe that is the appropriate fix for this problem. I hate to see Trophies sinking because there out of warranty or a bandaid fix is performed.

I hate to say it but Bayliner will probably take action once a lawsuit gets thrown at them. One other thing, it took a few boats trips to be able to correlate the bait tank as the source of the leak. The leaking is minimal when you are standing still, but once you get underway it becomes dramatic. I made it out about five miles when the engine started sputtering and I had so much water in the boat that I had to crawl it back to the marina. Harbor Patrol was on standby if things got worse.

Thanks for the heads up H20! Hope to see you out on the water.

edf

 

[Killafornia]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

GC I did call Bayliner corporate to notify them of this problem and and their take was to contact a dealer and assess whether they will fix it gratis. The dealer said that the boat was not in warranty and their will be a fee to make the repairs. Their solution was to reseal it with silicon and again I refuse to believe that is the appropriate fix for this problem. I hate to see Trophies sinking because there out of warranty or a bandaid fix is performed.

I hate to say it but Bayliner will probably take action once a lawsuit gets thrown at them. One other thing, it took a few boats trips to be able to correlate the bait tank as the source of the leak. The leaking is minimal when you are standing still, but once you get underway it becomes dramatic. I made it out about five miles when the engine started sputtering and I had so much water in the boat that I had to crawl it back to the marina. Harbor Patrol was on standby if things got worse.

Doesn't Brunswick own Trophy? Unless Bayliner still produced that year Trohpy.

 

[Ghost Chaser]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

Doesn't Brunswick own Trophy? Unless Bayliner still produced that year Trohpy.

Yes they do. As far as I know 2003 and newer are strictly trophy but I could be wrong. It takes a while for divorce to happen so I don't know exactly when bayliner was officially out of the picture.

If someone knows please share.

thanks

 

[Hugotoo]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

I have a 2008 2102WA and it has the same livewell design which is an extremely poor design. It doesn't lend itself to easily being repaired and mine has leaked from the very first day. I have caulked with silicone, but it only slows down the leak. The weight of the water in the full tank causes the mouth to flex and distort. The design should have a lip that goes through the deck opening so you can seal between the deck and the tank. The way it is it will always be a problem and all Trophy says is reseal it. I am thinking about glassing all the way around so that it is attached to the deck with something more robust than 2-4 small screws.

Hugotoo

 

[Ghost Chaser]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

I have a 2008 2102WA and it has the same livewell design which is an extremely poor design. It doesn't lend itself to easily being repaired and mine has leaked from the very first day. I have caulked with silicone, but it only slows down the leak. The weight of the water in the full tank causes the mouth to flex and distort. The design should have a lip that goes through the deck opening so you can seal between the deck and the tank. The way it is it will always be a problem and all Trophy says is reseal it. I am thinking about glassing all the way around so that it is attached to the deck with something more robust than 2-4 small screws.

Hugotoo

Hugo,

Even if it didn't leak, It's not a very effective bait tank. Save the time and money and install an aftermarket bait tank in the size and location you want.
Even if it didn't leak into the bilge, it still leaks water when holding bait onto your deck and into your starboard fishhold but your newer boat maybe sealed.
Even though its annoying to see the water constantly leak onto your deck while under way. Again abad design but I still luv my boat. Good Luck!!!
Still waiting for Trophy to throw us a bone for a bad baitwell. Only time will tell but so far its a no go.

 

[adzsness downunder]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

I also had this problem with my trophy 2002wa 2003pro.travelled 16 miles back to shore at 8 mile phr couldn't go any faster, yes the builge pump was working but was blocked up with tiny baitfish scales from the baittank. it took over an hr to drain the water from the hull.

But i fixed it
heres what i did
i got my son to drill 4 self tappers into the top inside lip of the bait tank while i pulled the baitank liner back up on to the under floor. Now i still had a gap all around the inside of the bait tank at the top.
I got a mirror and placed it in the tank so i could see the area where the gap was and procedded to fill the gap with marine sickaflex. i left it for 24 hrs refilled the b/tank to the top and well hey presto no more leaks.

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

I jusst bought a 1992 Model 2002 20ft. Trophy Walkaround. The four stern drainholes/scupper outlets for self-draining, (near the rear of the fish wells/coolers at the rear deck), are only about 2 inches above the stern water-line. Is this normal for this hull, or might I be taking in water from the problems noted above or via old, faulty scupper valves ?

 

[Tiki35]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

Hi, I have the same boat and you could take on water when you stand near the stern of the boat when fishing for example. Most people replace the factory scuppers with these:

http://www.rabud.com/seascupper2.htm

I never preferred the look of the Rabuds, so I just used these which worked out fine, no more water comes in:

http://www.discountmarinesupplies.com/Seadog_Round_Scuppers.html

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

Thanks Tiki, I will look into your suggestions. however, since my last post, I also heard that almost all scuppers will become neutrally bouyant when under the water line, and thus allow water in. i also saw in a different forum that one trophy owner claims he solved the problem simply byputtingplugs in the inside of the scupper outlets, (for when there was waeight in the stern),and removes them once there is no more weight issue at hand. Comments anyone ?? Thanks, Dr. Gonzo

 

[goggy.c]

Re: 2003 Model 2002 Trophy baitwell leak almost sunk us

This is good to know. I just purchased a 2003 2052 and after reading this thread I immediately noticed the flex in the baitwell! It appears difficult however to place screws onto the upper lip of the tank from atop, as its contour is small. I plan on using nuts and bolts mounted to the side of the tank, just below the top, afterwhich I will seal everything. Whichever method one uses, mechanical fasteners are a must. 15 gallons of water weigh slightly over 90 lbs; a tall order for sealant by itself. As for the 5 amp fuse, the only thing I see above the starboard battery is a rather large fuse box. I'll check there.