Found the answer to why my boat was taking on water...

[stevesoule1]

Thank everyone for their input, and willingness to lend advice, first and foremost. I was very puzzled as to why my boat started sinking at low tide. My driveshaft bellow has a hole in it caused by dry rot. Aparently with the way I was anchored up with the current, the lowtide draft of current was opening the hole in the bellow. Cheap fix, but labor intensive...

 

[rucaradio]

Re: Found the answer to why my boat was taking on water...

I don't know what brand of powertrain you have, but be sure to check any input shafts for lateral movement. Bad bellows can cause a myriad of mechanical issues in addition to the obvious water intrusion. U-joints and bearings (if the bellow has been bad for a while or the boat has been sitting in the water) usually rust and go bad along with the bellow.

When I got my "project" (Volvo AQ131d with the 275 leg) the drive bellows were ripped. 2 bearings, 2 u-joints, and an engine removal and replacement later everything is A-Ok now.

Inspect and change the drive bellow when needed (or recommended - every other season) or you'll be spending A LOT more time and/or money to fix problems.

 

[towman818181]

Re: Found the answer to why my boat was taking on water...

man im glad you caught it in time now its tool time