Water Frustration

[SubSea]

I bought a 1994 Stratos FS with a 150 OB and have been pleased with the boat, however. Every time I pull the boat out of the water and remove the plug water pours out for minutes. I can find no hole in the fiberglass and am careful not to allow water over the transom when slowing. Is this a normal occurrence or is there a hole in the fiberglass I just haven't found. The bilge area where the batteries are remains dry and the bilge pump never comes on unless I turn it on and then no water is pumped.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Water Frustration

You need to check the hull for cracks, and rebed any through-hulls that are below the waterline.

I'd also suggest that you empty all the water out of the boat, then launch it without running it. Just let it sit, and see if any water is coming in. That'll tell you for sure whether or not you really have a leak somewhere, and you might be able to spot the culprit.

My .02

 

[jfadool]

Re: Water Frustration

you also need to find where the water is sitting and get your bilge pump to pump from there.

It sounds like your pump is not in the lowest part of the hull, and what good is the pump if it doesn't pump out the water.

 

[SubSea]

Re: Water Frustration

I have tried letting it set for a day then pulling it out and that is why I checked the hull for cracks. The same amount of water seemed to be present even though I didn't start the motor. Is there any way water could get in there if the motor was started sitting next to the dock? There are two live wells aerators and recirculate pumps. Also the boat performs well after several hours fishing I jump on plane quickly and run 53 mph down the lake.

 

[SubSea]

Re: Water Frustration

It is in the outer hull? I never see any water in the inner hull bilge. Is there a bilge pump there? I assume the boat is double hull constructed looking at what I have.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Water Frustration

No, you do not have a "double-hull", just an old Stratos with a leak...somewhere. Put her in the water, and stick your head in the bilge...and wait. Water will start to show up there, and maybe then you can see where it's coming from.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Water Frustration

Are you areators running when the boat is sitting? Check them out real carfully.
Also have the boat drained of water and then put a hose in the bilge and tunr on the water and see if any water leaks out that way then you may be able to tell where it is coming in from.