Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

[Alwhite00]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

Well if BayLiner thinks that the soaked transom will not cause a problem down the road they have no buisness building boats, That was just pure laziness on their part, Doesn't anyone have pride in their work anymore.

I would be talking to a lawyer before they smear caulk over everything to cover it up and be on the phone everyday with BayLiner.

LK

 

[500dollar744ti]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

I thought the transom has to be almost 2" thick per mercruiser specs? That one pictures makes it look like 3/4" plywood that's not even glassed at the top?

 

[Luv2Camp]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

Here is a pic of the inside engine compartment looking at the port side. The large white is daylight that can be seen at the corner seam when the rub rail was removed. Both corners were like this. The smaller light to the left of it is just a reflection.

I believe the main reason for the water in the foam area of the transom was due to the flange for the drain hole leaking. I did add drain plugs on both sides of the transom because I want to be sure that there is never any more water in there after my dealer fixed the leaks. It will also allow me to open this area up to continue to allow air to enter in there to dry out any remaining moisture. Right now, it is bone dry. I only have had the boat for a few weeks and bought it off the showroom. Also, is not stored in the water and garaged when not in use. I am confident that as long as it does not leak again, I have no issues of structure damage because I caught it so soon. I am waiting for the 5200 to fully cure before I take it out again and test it. After seeing the job that was done to seal the hull joint as well as the drain plug, I think they got it. Will advise if any further issues.

As far as Bayliner being a dud, I say bogus. Search boat problems and you will have many similar issues in high end boats as well. My boat was getting fixed next to a $70,000 Chapparral that has a TON of issues and only about 20 hours on it. My father has a $200,000 sail boat and has had his own share of water intrusion problems, blisters, etc... For the price, you cannot beat it. I am VERY upset that this was a simple issue that should have been caught at the factory and am glad I caught it. I feel bad for those that are on the water right now with no idea of the issue that is starting for them down the road though as this is clearly an area prone for this to occur and unless you drill a hole, would have no idea it was going on...


I would say to anyone with a Bayliner to do three things. 1.) Go to the ramp with a dry bilge and let the stern sit in the water and see if you get water leaking in around the hole for the drain plug. 2.) if you have the extended swim platform, look to see if you have stains under the brackets which could mean that it is leaking from the bolt. 3.) Put the boat in the water and go in reverse fast enough to get water to hit the back of the boat just below the integral swim platform or just over the extended platform and look to see if you have water coming in at the hull joint or anywhere else.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

No one is calling Bayliner a "dud". They are a cheaply made boat, inexpensive components and lacking in quality control. They serve mostly as an entry level boat, a void that needs filled. They earned a bad rep in the 80s and have done little to change it. You could probably buy 2 Bayliners for the price of an EdgeWater and have change left over. The difference in ride, customer service, warranty, components, fit, finish, zero wood, and more,,,,, there is no comparison. Both will float and do the job... you get what you pay for in many instances. My boat is an '06 and the bilge is bone dry, the only time the bilge pump is on is when I pour water in to test it. During that time the only item that needed replaced is the raw water wash down pump. Not knocking Bayliner, but understand what they are and be happy they are available.

Here is a pic of the inside engine compartment looking at the port side. The large white is daylight that can be seen at the corner seam when the rub rail was removed. Both corners were like this. The smaller light to the left of it is just a reflection.

I believe the main reason for the water in the foam area of the transom was due to the flange for the drain hole leaking. I did add drain plugs on both sides of the transom because I want to be sure that there is never any more water in there after my dealer fixed the leaks. It will also allow me to open this area up to continue to allow air to enter in there to dry out any remaining moisture. Right now, it is bone dry. I only have had the boat for a few weeks and bought it off the showroom. Also, is not stored in the water and garaged when not in use. I am confident that as long as it does not leak again, I have no issues of structure damage because I caught it so soon. I am waiting for the 5200 to fully cure before I take it out again and test it. After seeing the job that was done to seal the hull joint as well as the drain plug, I think they got it. Will advise if any further issues.

As far as Bayliner being a dud, I say bogus. Search boat problems and you will have many similar issues in high end boats as well. My boat was getting fixed next to a $70,000 Chapparral that has a TON of issues and only about 20 hours on it. My father has a $200,000 sail boat and has had his own share of water intrusion problems, blisters, etc... For the price, you cannot beat it. I am VERY upset that this was a simple issue that should have been caught at the factory and am glad I caught it. I feel bad for those that are on the water right now with no idea of the issue that is starting for them down the road though as this is clearly an area prone for this to occur and unless you drill a hole, would have no idea it was going on...


I would say to anyone with a Bayliner to do three things. 1.) Go to the ramp with a dry bilge and let the stern sit in the water and see if you get water leaking in. 2.) if you have the extended swim platform, look to see if you have stains under the brackets which could mean that it is leaking from the bolt. 3.) Put the boat in the water and go in reverse fast enough to get water to hit the back of the boat just below the integral swim platform or just over the extended platform and look to see if you have water coming in at the hull joint or anywhere else.

View attachment 210163

 

[Luv2Camp]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

No one is calling Bayliner a "dud". They are a cheaply made boat, inexpensive components and lacking in quality control. They serve mostly as an entry level boat, a void that needs filled. They earned a bad rep in the 80s and have done little to change it. You could probably buy 2 Bayliners for the price of an EdgeWater and have change left over. The difference in ride, customer service, warranty, components, fit, finish, zero wood, and more,,,,, there is no comparison. Both will float and do the job... you get what you pay for in many instances. My boat is an '06 and the bilge is bone dry, the only time the bilge pump is on is when I pour water in to test it. During that time the only item that needed replaced is the raw water wash down pump. Not knocking Bayliner, but understand what they are and be happy they are available.

Agree on the entry level and the former poor rap they had. I am a former auto body tech and fit and finish is huge for me. I have very few things about my 185 that concern me on fit or finish. As far as a void that needs to be filled.... Based on my first experience, my void was certainly filled.... WITH WATER! LOL...... I am hopeful that when she gets back in the water on Monday, my bilge will be as dry as yours! The financial end was key for me with the boat. Being able to buy a new boat with cash and not have a loan or break my bank, I smile from ear to ear every time I hear my V6 purr away. Hope to have many years ahead of me with this boat but only time will tell....

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

Agree on the entry level and the former poor rap they had. I am a former auto body tech and fit and finish is huge for me. I have very few things about my 185 that concern me on fit or finish. As far as a void that needs to be filled.... Based on my first experience, my void was certainly filled.... WITH WATER! LOL...... I am hopeful that when she gets back in the water on Monday, my bilge will be as dry as yours! The financial end was key for me with the boat. Being able to buy a new boat with cash and not have a loan or break my bank, I smile from ear to ear every time I hear my V6 purr away. Hope to have many years ahead of me with this boat but only time will tell....

No reason you do not have many years of enjoyment from your boat. Bayliner QC is not where it should be, your boat should have not left the factory for you to find those problems. It happens too often with them. Some of the comments from the factory are unbelievable. They do know better. Every boat needs to be watched constantly. Like you, I do not have loans on toys. I paid cash for the indoor dry slip too. There are more than enough costs with fuel and maintenance to appreciate not having a loan too.

 

[rnorman3]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

For those planning to check their boat, FYI, there was never more than a cup or so of water in my bilge.

The transom is a sandwich of fiberglass-wood-fiberglass with as far as I can tell, huge voids. Rain water entered through the gunwale strip, ran down into the voids from the top exposed wooden edge, and filled them, soaking the wood. When I drilled a hole 1/4" into the transom for a fish finder, (not all the way though the transom), I observed wet wood cuttings, then pulled the drill bit out of the hole, water shot out, maybe 2 cups or more. A inductive moisture meter indicates water all across the transom, more near the bottom of the transom, no where else in the hull. I ran water from a garden hose over the gunwale strip for 1/2 hour or so while observing inside-top of the engine compartment for leaks to reproduce the problem. You could see trickles of water coming from most of the bolts that hold the hull top to bottom.

Just because your bilge is dry, doesn't mean your safe from this issue. My bilge was/is almost completely dry, I would never have known there was an issue if I didn't hit a void when I drilled the hole.

I would recommend using the hose method and check out the pictures from the start of this thread for where the water comes in. Either that or the inductive moisture meter.

RN

 

[Luv2Camp]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

For those planning to check their boat, FYI, there was never more than a cup or so of water in my bilge.

The transom is a sandwich of fiberglass-wood-fiberglass with as far as I can tell, huge voids. Rain water entered through the gunwale strip, ran down into the voids from the top exposed wooden edge, and filled them, soaking the wood. When I drilled a hole 1/4" into the transom for a fish finder, (not all the way though the transom), I observed wet wood cuttings, then pulled the drill bit out of the hole, water shot out, maybe 2 cups or more. A inductive moisture meter indicates water all across the transom, more near the bottom of the transom, no where else in the hull. I ran water from a garden hose over the gunwale strip for 1/2 hour or so while observing inside-top of the engine compartment for leaks to reproduce the problem. You could see trickles of water coming from most of the bolts that hold the hull top to bottom.

Just because your bilge is dry, doesn't mean your safe from this issue. My bilge was/is almost completely dry, I would never have known there was an issue if I didn't hit a void when I drilled the hole.

I would recommend using the hose method and check out the pictures from the start of this thread for where the water comes in. Either that or the inductive moisture meter.

RN

For my boat, I tried the hose method and could not get it to leak. It was when I got it int he water and put it in reverse and the water totally submerged the rub strip that it showed it's demons... I would say to try both methods to be sure....

 

[ma glastron]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

Sea ray's are made by the same co and are very similar. Do they have the same troubles?

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

Almost all boats are put together the same way. Hulls are used for several different sole configurations. When the 2parts(sometimes 3) are put together they need sealed, the bolts holding them down need caulked, and screws holding the trim need sealed. I know of a premium boat that had an after market T-top installed to save money over the factory T-top. The screws into the floor were not properly installed and 7 years later the floor and foam had to be replaced at a higher cost than a factory T-top. Any where water can get in is a problem that needs fixed.

Sea ray's are made by the same co and are very similar. Do they have the same troubles?

 

[britisher]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

Brunswick Industries, the makers of Bayliner and Sea Ray are a manufacturer that sells its products worldwide and as such should be manufacturing to global standards. That is usually the ISO Standards. Certification is earned and it can be taken away. Any company worth its salt, should take every seriously any defects which compromise both their manufacturing methods and their market reputation. Also Brunswick should remember that like auto manufacturers, that their reputation can be shot to pieces by lazy and indifferent dealers. I would say to anyone with warranty issues on their new boats, that if they don't feel they are getting a fair deal from their dealers, to stop talking to the monkey and deal only with the organ grinder.

 

[Luv2Camp]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

I am so happy to report that there are NO MORE leaks! Just got back from taking out today and it is bone dry. Not one drop in the bilge, nor any leaking from the hull seam. I also took out the drain plugs that I installed on both sides of the transom that go to the hollow cavity that there is no access to that was holding the water when the fish finder hole was drilled and that is also bone dry. My life is back to normal until the next issue pops up! On a side note, with the 5200 still curing yesterday, I decided to take my Seadoo out. Had the hardest wipeout I have every had. Hit the handlebars and flipped over and did a 180... Could hear the cheers as I was trying to swim back to the ski as if it did not hurt. Bruised sternum, cut on my leg and hurt pride. Not to mention I also broke the steering cable on the ski... Should learn at almost 45 I need to act like my age. Enough 180 on a dime turns at 20 mph for me! LOL...

 

[ma glastron]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

good to hear that you and the boat ok

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

Great to hear the transom is dry. Should have arrived in that condition from the factory. Hope there are no more problems found-- ever! Nice to hear you did not break your neck too. 90% of the jet skis will be away for about 8 months as the tourons will be gone in a day or two.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

I really can't believe the response they gave about the water coming out of the transom. Its not that Bayliners are bad intrinsically, its that mistakes happen in this type of construction. Its the nature of fiberglass lay up. What makes all the difference is how the company responds to it. That's what I'd have a problem with. And for the record, I have a 25 year old Four Winns. Ten years ago when I took out the screws for the old fishfinder to re-bed them no water came out. This spring I took them out again (installing new GPS/Sounder) still no water. Drilled holes for new transducer, no water came out. This boat is moored in salt water 6 months out of the year for 11 seasons I have had it. So a properly laid up transom will not have voids and will not have water in it. Their response is BS......

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

I partially agree, the response should have been much different. Sadly, this is not a new issue with Bayliner. Their bad reputation began in the '80s and little has changed. Yes, they are inexpensive and yes mistakes can be made. With multiple new boats with a like problem a responsible company would notify all previous buyers of the problem and make certain it is not ongoing. Bayliner hopes by selling an entry level boat customers will want to boat but desire to upgrade and be rid of problems. Not all Bayliners have problems, so many with the same problem should not happen. The company should stand behind the product much better. Sadly, some thinking they will have fewer problems with a new boat are not so rewarded at times. Other builders have problems too.... just not as consistently.

I really can't believe the response they gave about the water coming out of the transom. Its not that Bayliners are bad intrinsically, its that mistakes happen in this type of construction. Its the nature of fiberglass lay up. What makes all the difference is how the company responds to it. That's what I'd have a problem with. And for the record, I have a 25 year old Four Winns. Ten years ago when I took out the screws for the old fishfinder to re-bed them no water came out. This spring I took them out again (installing new GPS/Sounder) still no water. Drilled holes for new transducer, no water came out. This boat is moored in salt water 6 months out of the year for 11 seasons I have had it. So a properly laid up transom will not have voids and will not have water in it. Their response is BS......

 

[Luv2Camp]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

I partially agree, the response should have been much different. Sadly, this is not a new issue with Bayliner. Their bad reputation began in the '80s and little has changed. Yes, they are inexpensive and yes mistakes can be made. With multiple new boats with a like problem a responsible company would notify all previous buyers of the problem and make certain it is not ongoing. Bayliner hopes by selling an entry level boat customers will want to boat but desire to upgrade and be rid of problems. Not all Bayliners have problems, so many with the same problem should not happen. The company should stand behind the product much better. Sadly, some thinking they will have fewer problems with a new boat are not so rewarded at times. Other builders have problems too.... just not as consistently.

My experience with Bayliner during this issue on my boat has been great. They told my dealer to do whatever it took to find the leak and not once did they give any feeling that any wetness was ok. They did state that they use a rot resistant wood but this was more to assure me that the temp wetness once dried out after the issue was found should be a non issue. I can only assume that with any claim type business, depending on which rep handles your claim can make a big difference in the experience. I TRULY love my bayliner and unless something changes in the future on my feeling, I can see buying another when/if we decide to go bigger...

 

[rnorman3]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

My experience with Bayliner during this issue on my boat has been great..

I'm glad you had a good experience. I however am not satisfied. There is undoubtedly water trapped in the wood/voids in the transom of my boat, I checked it with an inductive moisture meter, fully wet. Bayliner knows this and insist it is OK. They refused to repair/replace the wet wood/voids, so there you go. It's pretty cut and dry (or not dry), they know where the water came from, they know how it got in the voids/wood, they insist it's no problem. Is this good customer service/quality?, you be the judge. You can get a moisture meter to check yours I'm sure, or have a boat inspector check it with one, it's the best way to check. I thought of drilling more holes in my transom to let some water out, but in the long run, I don't think it'll every dry out, and Bayliner might blame me for the water if I drill more holes! Winters coming, I may have the boat for many years so we'll see how it goes. In the mean time I'll always be thinking about it while out on the water, and making sure there are no impacts to the rear end which now consists of just a few mm of fiberglass.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

Sorry to hear Bayliner did not repair your boat to the way it should have been built. Not surprised though. Insisting it is ok is ridiculous! even with the mysterious "rot resistant wood". Many manufacturers had started eliminating wood, especially in stringers and transoms over a decade ago. Even on an entry level boat those items should have been taken care of long ago as the cost is minimal on a boat costing 10s of thousands. Bayliner has had over 3 decades to get their act together and has failed. With luck, you will have no problems for many years!

I'm glad you had a good experience. I however am not satisfied. There is undoubtedly water trapped in the wood/voids in the transom of my boat, I checked it with an inductive moisture meter, fully wet. Bayliner knows this and insist it is OK. They refused to repair/replace the wet wood/voids, so there you go. It's pretty cut and dry (or not dry), they know where the water came from, they know how it got in the voids/wood, they insist it's no problem. Is this good customer service/quality?, you be the judge. You can get a moisture meter to check yours I'm sure, or have a boat inspector check it with one, it's the best way to check. I thought of drilling more holes in my transom to let some water out, but in the long run, I don't think it'll every dry out, and Bayliner might blame me for the water if I drill more holes! Winters coming, I may have the boat for many years so we'll see how it goes. In the mean time I'll always be thinking about it while out on the water, and making sure there are no impacts to the rear end which now consists of just a few mm of fiberglass.

 

[Luv2Camp]

Re: Leaking Boat?? Drilled Hole For Transducer 2012 bayliner 185

I was also on the fence about drilling more holes but in the end, I wanted the comfort knowing it was dry inside both of those closed off areas so I elected to install a brass garboard plug (the same as the factory one) on each side... Now I can verify there is no leak and also leave it open when in storage to allow air to exchange more easily.