How much water is normal when I pull the plug?

[PNW Driver]

I took the old boat out for my first time. Launching was smooth and she fired right up, went into gear, acclerated and jumped on plane no problem. WOT about 3800 rpm@ 31mph. Noticed a few minor issues but nothing worrisome. My concern was after pulling the plug approximately a quart of water drained out after about an hour on the lake. Is this a normal amount or might I have a leaking bellows? Oh yeah, the wind came up and everyone had a grand time watching us (absolute newbies) try to trailer the boat getting out. It kept going sideways. Oh well, left my pride at the desk when I signed up for lessons.

 

[maxxman04]

Re: How much water is normal when I pull the plug?

could just be a leaky plug or gasket on plug base

 

[danond]

Re: How much water is normal when I pull the plug?

Any amount of water is abnormal. Unless you took a big wave over the transom, you have a leak and it should be found. My I/O can sit for days on end in the water, and unless I took a wave over the back, when I pull the plug it's bone dry.

If you have a roller trailer you can shut the engine off, put the trailer in the water a bit more and winch it onto the trailer with the engine off. Cuts down on the stress level.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: How much water is normal when I pull the plug?

It's possible that some water might be coming in when launching.

Mine takes on water through the vents if it's a steep ramp.

After launching run your pump to see if any got in and to drain the bilge.

Also, your WOT seems a bit low. Should be up around 4300 I think.

 

[searay3]

Re: How much water is normal when I pull the plug?

Skiers, built in coolers, lots of things can put a little water in the bilge. What you want to see if it's the boat or the motor. Watch the motor run with the engine cover off. Be careful not to get caught up in things that are rotating. Flashlight and sometimes a mirror. look for the drip and follow the trace. You can also pull the drive. If there is water in the bellows it will be obvious. Check the transom seal, if thats leaking the transom could have some rot. Just gotta get in there and see...

 

[PNW Driver]

Re: How much water is normal when I pull the plug?

Thanks for the replies. I have had the drive off a couple times this spring. A visual inspection showed no torn bellows. The gimbal bearing I changed had arust line across the lower third. I bought this boat used and yesterday was the first run after 9 months of ownership. I will take it to the lake and tip the doghouse up and watch to see if I can spot the leak.

 

[PNW Driver]

Upadate,

Upadate,

Took it out again today. Same lake, slightly longer cruise. I ran the pump after launching and once an hour later with no water out the hose. After we trailered it I pulled the plug and nothing came out. Good news. I did noticed that the gasket the plug fits into is looking worn and there is a gap between the top of the transom and the cap on on corner about1/8 inch by 6 inches long. I did reverese a bunch last trip and I think the water was getting in there. Thanks for the help guys.