Small water leak into bilge ... only at "trolling" speed

[tlindgre]

1999 Larson LXI 226, Volvo Penta 5.7.

I have a small water leak into bilge ... only at "trolling" speeds (bow slightly up). Had greater water leak now reduced by resetting and tightening the exhaust shrouds on both sides. I suspect the coupling flange at the bottom of the exhaust wye is also loose. Not sure I am agile enough to get back there but if someones says they agree with my guess then I'll get someone to get in there if possible.

 

[Don S]

Re: Small water leak into bilge ... only at "trolling" speed

I suspect the coupling flange at the bottom of the exhaust wye is also loose.

If that was the case, it would leak anytime the boat is in the water and it would also leak exhaust into the boat.

You need to use mirrors, flashlights, cameras or whatever else it takes to find the leak (we can't see it either, therefore we can't find it) then once you know where the leak is coming from, a plan to fix it can be put into place.

 

[woody66912]

Re: Small water leak into bilge ... only at "trolling" speed

Don, two things I'm thinking is trim sender grommet/trasom seal?.

 

[Don S]

Re: Small water leak into bilge ... only at "trolling" speed

Trim sender grommet should be above the water line, and you should be able to see it. Transom seal, very likely. But not because of a bad seal. Never seen a seal fail. What happens is the transom gets wood rot and the transom is no longer tight.

 

[woody66912]

Re: Small water leak into bilge ... only at "trolling" speed

Trim sender grommet should be above the water line, and you should be able to see it. Transom seal, very likely. But not because of a bad seal. Never seen a seal fail. What happens is the transom gets wood rot and the transom is no longer tight.

Yep, transom rot. Well if he trims the drive down and stands on the ventilation plate and jumps up and down lightly and the transom flexes well.

 

[tlindgre]

Re: Small water leak into bilge ... only at "trolling" speed

Thanks for the input so far!

This is a 1999 Larson 226 LXI that has only about 750 hours on it. Mostly ski hours. She is always docked out of the water on a lift and she is stowed in a heated garage all winter. Seems like wood rot would be unlikely? and I'm not sure I want to do the jump up and down on the lower unit. Any other ideas?

Yep, transom rot. Well if he trims the drive down and stands on the ventilation plate and jumps up and down lightly and the transom flexes well.

 

[Michigan Jason]

Re: Small water leak into bilge ... only at "trolling" speed

Thanks for the input so far!

This is a 1999 Larson 226 LXI that has only about 750 hours on it. Mostly ski hours. She is always docked out of the water on a lift and she is stowed in a heated garage all winter. Seems like wood rot would be unlikely? and I'm not sure I want to do the jump up and down on the lower unit. Any other ideas?

I just got done replacing the transom on my 20' bow rider. Never stored in the water and crate stored in a heated marina for winter. I did not want to face the music, but fact is fact, it was not a fun bill to pay, but needed to be done if I wanted the boat.