My boat flooded! Need help!

[dude_newbie]

Okay, I am new to boating first of all. I have a inboard/outboard SeaRay. I have had alot of rain from major storms and for some idiotic reason on my part, I had the plug in it. Water filled the boat up about a foot and from what I could tell water was sitting all the way up to my alternator. No plugs are wet, the battery compartment seemed to have been hit. Can anybody shed some light on what I need to do??

 

[bjcsc]

Re: My boat flooded! Need help!

So you trailer sunk your boat. My buddy did this last year as well. Were your battery terminals underwater? If so, you'll have to replace the batteries. It is possible that you will find some water in your oil as the pan seals are really designed to keep the oil in and not necessarily keep water out.

First thing to do is get all the water out. Then take care of the battery situation. Then see if it will start. If your starter went under, it may work for awhile, but the smart bet is to replace it. It will fail - the only question is when. Same with the alternator. Warm it up and change the oil. If you get lucky, it will look normal. If not, you may have to "rinse and repeat" until it does look normal. Other than that, you should be OK.

 

[dude_newbie]

Re: My boat flooded! Need help!

My boat was actually sitting in my drive way on the trailer with a cover on it. We had around 14 inches of rain in a 3 week period and I just left my plug in. I didnt pay attention and was busy with other flooding problems(house) that my boat was not even on my mind. I usually always leave the plug out after I use it. I have taken all the water out, opened up all the compartments and so far letting it dry out. I will replace the battery tomorrow or sometime this week. I wanted to let it dry thouroughly before I attempt to start it.

I did notice that where my battery compartment is at there is the module that controls my outboard tilt motor. Any idea there?? Man, I hope all is good because I am going on vacation to a lake where I use my boat for tubing and skiing. Thanks for the reply and the advice.. I feel a little better after what you have said. I was under the impression that I was flat out screwed!

 

[bjcsc]

Re: My boat flooded! Need help!

Same thing happened to my buddy. Cover on, plug in, but it through the entire off season (Dec - Feb).

Can't help on the outdrive. I've never had one ( my boat has a jet drive ) However, sealed electronic components that do not have power going to them when they get wet typically are unaffected if left to dry before powered up. Hopefully this will apply to you...

 

[dude_newbie]

Re: My boat flooded! Need help!

Great! I really appreciate your input on this.. I can now only hope for the best!! Thanks again!!

 

[b00tstrap]

Re: My boat flooded! Need help!

I would check any connections that aren't sealed i.e wire connections that are spliced using butt connectors or inline fuse holders. Once they get wet, they will corrode fast. These type of connections shouldn't be used in the first place, but that didn't stop the previous owner of my boat when he replaced the bilge, blower, etc.

 

[dude_newbie]

Re: My boat flooded! Need help!

b00tstrap,

Good point.. I will verify any spliced lines.. From what I recall, I did see one or two butt connectors that were being used.. Thanks alot!

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: My boat flooded! Need help!

Starter will likely die I think. It might be worth pulling it now and cleaning & lubing it up. Ask the folks in the I/O repair forum, they'll know.

EDIT: Oh, sorry. I see that's been covered already!

 

[undertaker44903]

Re: My boat flooded! Need help!

This just happened to a boat I bought it cost me 675.89 the flushed the engine three time to make sure it was clean replaced the starter and gimble bearing and everything in the disturbutor I'm taking it to the lake tomorrow to make sure everything is good.

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: My boat flooded! Need help!

Hey Dude, let us know when you get it running and post what all you had to do.