Takes on water over the transom while loading and unloading

Zracer71

Cadet
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Jun 19, 2025
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9
18' Kenner with a 90hp on it takes on water when I am launching and loading the boat. Is there anything I can do to prevent this? Trailer adjustment maybe?
 

Grub54891

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Jun 17, 2012
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6,214
Some ramps are rather steep. Not much you can do except not back in as far but on some ramps you have to run it down deep.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
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50,587
the splash well should prevent water from entering the boat, unless someone removed it.
 

JimS123

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Jul 27, 2007
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My first thought was that you are backing in too far. In my experience, a huge percentage of new boaters simply have not read the "Trailer Boater's Manual", and thus are clueless on where to position the trailer.

But that problem is usually for launching. If you take water over the transom on retrieving, that's a whole other story.

Are you launching on a river with massive waves?

Maybe you need to post some pics of your boat and your launch ramp.
 

Zracer71

Cadet
Joined
Jun 19, 2025
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9
I think it is just a steep angle into the water. Maybe two feet of hull is in the water when water starts coming in. Just not enough boat in the water to float yet. I will post pictures tomorrow of the transom and trailer. It is Chocolate Bayou so it is very calm.
 

mike_i

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Jun 28, 2017
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978
I expected your transom looked like that. My boat has the same type of cut out transom but doesn't take on water while launching. I'm guessing your ramp is steep, maybe you may be backing in too fast. Are the batteries and fuel filter getting soaked?
 

airshot

Vice Admiral
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Jul 22, 2008
Messages
5,539
What else is in the back under the well that has weight ? Batteries, fuel tank etc ? Should be drain holes to allow any water back out, could it be the water is coming in thru the drain holes then draining back out ? Need better pics to see if there are drain holes in the transom for the well.
 

Zracer71

Cadet
Joined
Jun 19, 2025
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9
Transom measure 22". I am going to move the batteries to the center console. I will find out tomorrow afternoon if the batteries in the back is the problem. Nothing but a couple of pumps in the hole. It is dry. drains work great.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,447
Having a hard time envisioning a scenario where the rear of the boat, untethered from the trailer, would sink below the water line while backing a bunk trailer in the water. Boat should float as soon as you clear draft depth.

Is the winch cable taunt while backing into the water
 

mike_i

Ensign
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Jun 28, 2017
Messages
978
dingbat has a good question "Is the winch cable taunt while backing into the water" Try giving the cable/strap a few feet of slack it may help the boat float but still secured to the trailer.
 

airshot

Vice Admiral
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Jul 22, 2008
Messages
5,539
Having a hard time envisioning a scenario where the rear of the boat, untethered from the trailer, would sink below the water line while backing a bunk trailer in the water. Boat should float as soon as you clear draft depth.

Is the winch cable taunt while backing into the water
That is why I am questioning whether water is coming in thru drain holes in the splashwell. Can't tell if drain holes are there from his pics...
 
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