Leaking and cannot find it. Any tricks /tips?

[HiLiner]

The boat is a 1973 HiLiner with a 1998 Mercruiser LH. I have tried checking everything (bellows, gimble, etc) but it appears I am missing something. Can anyone point me in a direction? I will have a couple of gallons of water in the bilge after 2 hrs of cruising- not excessive but I know this is only going to get worse. Suggestions?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Leaking and cannot find it. Any tricks /tips?

If this only occurs while underway, I would check your gunwale seams. My first 15-foot Starcraft American (only one I didn't pull the deck off of) would take on water under the rub rail while backing off our getting out of the hole. The sealant they put between the deck and hull overlap had dried out and much was missing. It would also take some water on if I nosed into a larger boat wake going with the waves. Worth a look... your boat is about the age of my Starcrafts...
- Scott

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Leaking and cannot find it. Any tricks /tips?

Have you checked the exhaust tube? Sometimes they can get some rot in the bottom of them where they attach to the bottom of the boat and can leak.

 

[rheyboer]

Re: Leaking and cannot find it. Any tricks /tips?

Engine hose?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Leaking and cannot find it. Any tricks /tips?

rub rail, had the same problem.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Leaking and cannot find it. Any tricks /tips?

Does any water accumulate when the boat just sits???

 

[HiLiner]

Re: Leaking and cannot find it. Any tricks /tips?

No- no water seems to accumulate when it just sits. Only underway.

 

[Zackman]

Re: Leaking and cannot find it. Any tricks /tips?

Also check any thru hull connections, e.g. trim tabs, depth sounders, etc.