slight water seeping in at launch

[Schmoe]

Had this happen last year and actually forgot about it until now. When I launch my boat, '96 Marada, 18 ft. Merc 3.0LX, Alpha Gen II, I get a little water seeping into the hull. Once the boat levels off and gets off the trailer and then put the outdrive down, it stops. Doesn't leak anymore while boat is in the water. Any ideas?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: slight water seeping in at launch

I don't know if this is restating the obvious but it sounds like an issue with a leak/crack slightly above the water line on your rig.

Any visible issues back there as far as cracks or through hull work that's been done?

Other than that it may be due to a bad seal on the motor mount that corrects itself when the full weight of the motor is lowered.

I'd want to get that fixed before taking her out too far on the water.

Good luck getting her sealed up!

 

[Zackman]

Re: slight water seeping in at launch

Could be alot of things.

You need to get in there and look to see where it's comming from when it's being launch.

But if you're just looking for quesses... My first thought was the upper pin seal on the gimbal ring.​

 

[boatguya1]

Re: slight water seeping in at launch

Could be alot of things.

You need to get in there and look to see where it's comming from when it's being launch.

But if you're just looking for quesses... My first thought was the upper pin seal on the gimbal ring.​

That was my first thought also. I'd think a very close look at the shift cable bellows would be in order also.

A good test might be to put the drive down prior to backing in. If it does not leak that way it is probably not the upper steering shaft seal as the steering shaft shouldn't care if the drive is up or down.

James

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: slight water seeping in at launch

tilt the drive up and see if thats when water is coming in.If it is then you will need to change the bellows.If it was leaking last year,i would not wait to fix it.sinking is a bad option.charlie

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: slight water seeping in at launch

maybe put it on the trailer with the toungue way up. Fill the back with fresh water and see where it leaks out. Leaks work both ways usually.

 

[Bondo]

Re: slight water seeping in at launch

Had this happen last year and actually forgot about it until now.

Ayuh,... I guess you don't bother with Annual Servicing of your drive,..??

If you had, you'd have probably found the Leak....

 

[180shabah]

Re: slight water seeping in at launch

maybe put it on the trailer with the toungue way up. Fill the back with fresh water and see where it leaks out. Leaks work both ways usually.

DO NOT do this.

You don't want to ruin other things(engine, starter, alternator, trim pump, etc.)

Start at the waterline and move up. Any hull penetration is suspect until you eliminate it.

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: slight water seeping in at launch

I am very sorry i did not read the post and see it was coming from above the waterline. Do not do what I stated above.

 

[Schmoe]

Re: slight water seeping in at launch

Actually, it was two years ago. The boat has been dry docked since 07 and going to take it out here pretty soon. Just one of those things I forgot about so relax. I'm pretty anal about maintenance and actually worked for a Mercruiser mechanic in the summer years ago and both learned and saw what a difference a little maintenance can do. I pretty much think it's the shift shaft bellows based upon what I saw the last time it was out. It's definently above the water line. Boat stays dry once off the trailer. I'm more worried about it cranking up after sitting for two years right now than I am of the water intrusion. Going to see if Stabil lives up to its name. I did add Stabil in it last year as well, so we'll see here in a couple of weeks.

 

[imported_TheMan]

Re: slight water seeping in at launch

Have you considered it might something other than the outdrive? Do you have a ladder attached off the bacK?