99 Four Winns Horizon 170 F&S leaking aerator hose/pump

[bullgator99]

My 99 Four Winns has been taking on water this season. I've isolated the leak to the aerator pump and the inlet hose attached to it. I tightened the hose clamp really tight and it seems like the leak stopped. At any given time there were a few inches of water in the bilge. Barely enough to wash back into the bottom of the ski locker. But when I removed the deck to access the area I noticed the plywood separating the fuel tank from the bilge/battery compartment was damp. It's wet but it doesn't seem to be rotting.

Layout with deck removed.

The leaking connector.

The pump itself.

Hose connection to through hull fitting. This spot is REALLY hard to get to. I might have to remove the plywood that the batteries sit on. It is held down by two rusty lag screws and might also be bonded to the underlying fiberglass. I'd rather not fool with it.

Damp plywood.

Questions: Should I go ahead and replace the hose and aerator pump? I'm worried that it might start leaking again. The boat stays on the water and I don't have an automatic bilge pump. But that hose would be a bear to replace -- it's very hard to access where it connects to the through hull fitting. I also question whether anything needs to be done about the damp plywood down there. Opinions?

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: 99 Four Winns Horizon 170 F&S leaking aerator hose/pump

I dont understand what your asking..

Find the leak point(s) and fix/replace where your getting it from..

As far as NOT having an auto bilge pump coupled with 'stays on the water' is a risky thing IMHO ..

YD.

 

[bullgator99]

Re: 99 Four Winns Horizon 170 F&S leaking aerator hose/pump

Thanks for the reply. I'm seeking the wisdom of those who have been there before. If I tighten fittings and the leak stops, should I still trust a 12 year old pump and hose? Does the wet plywood put structural integrity at risk? Do I need to remove the fuel tank and look underneath, for example? Or is it okay just to say the leak is fixed and nothing further needs to be done.

I should mention that I removed the pump and inspected it and found no cracks or anything.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: 99 Four Winns Horizon 170 F&S leaking aerator hose/pump

The wood will eventually rot. So its up to you to wait until it gets bad..or replace now ( I would wait till the end of the season myself ).

All through hull fittings should be Double Hose Clamped.

You could try cutting off a few inches of hose to get back to fresh hose..then reclamp ( 2 clamps ).

The fitting itself could have a hairline crack in it as well..so best to inspect that.

You just need to get in there and find where your leak is coming from..then replace as needed.

YD.