fishcrazy50
Seaman Apprentice
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2009
- Messages
- 34
IN 07 I replaced the deck and live well hoses along with the live well thru hull. The pump which is transom mounted was fine so left it alone. I didn't want to disturb it's seal. Prior to that, the boat never leaked a drop. Bilge was always dry. After the rebuild, I would get a little water here and there. Nothing to fret over. Last year I started noticing that I would run the bilge two or three times during a 6-8 hour day and get a quart or so every time. This year I've been out 4 or 5 times and note that I'm getting a lot of water. Nothing that is scary as though I'm sinking but every hour I can turn on the bilge for a second or two. Other times I need to let it run a bit.
I have removed the live well pump and plugged all three through hulls. Filled the bilge with water and no leaks. Then filled the live well with water and plugged the drain through hull. Let it sit for 24 hours. Water was at the same level. I had plugged the bilge too. It drained out a small amount a cup or two. Water in the live well was fresh water. The water from the bilge tasted salty.
I now have the inlet side hose closed at the bilge and filled with water. In the morning I'll check to see if the hose is still full of water or has drained. If drained, that will explain where the salt water is coming from. The bilge keeps filling with salt water. Boat has been out of the water for two days. Every two hours I can unplug the bilge and get a cup of water out it.
The only thing I can think of is that maybe there is a seam or hole that runs down the middle. Last week when I put the boat on the trailer upon returning back to the ramp, I noted a lot of water running from the keels drain holes. The keep has an outside piece that runs the length of it. I don't think the boat is seamed along the keep but the hull is one solid piece from gunnel to gunnel.
I cannot find any leaks in the transom or at the through hulls. Not sure where to look next except to lift the deck and dig out all the old foam. I left the original foam in place when I replaced the decking in 07 as it was bright yellow and felt dry. It wasn't damp. Recently saw a pic of a person who cut out the old foam. It too was bright yellow but had three inches of water in it. Top 6 inches or so was completely dry. This was my parents boat and only saw fresh water from 87-07. Water draining into the bilge is salt water.
Thoughts on any further tests I can do before digging the boat back apart?
John
I have removed the live well pump and plugged all three through hulls. Filled the bilge with water and no leaks. Then filled the live well with water and plugged the drain through hull. Let it sit for 24 hours. Water was at the same level. I had plugged the bilge too. It drained out a small amount a cup or two. Water in the live well was fresh water. The water from the bilge tasted salty.
I now have the inlet side hose closed at the bilge and filled with water. In the morning I'll check to see if the hose is still full of water or has drained. If drained, that will explain where the salt water is coming from. The bilge keeps filling with salt water. Boat has been out of the water for two days. Every two hours I can unplug the bilge and get a cup of water out it.
The only thing I can think of is that maybe there is a seam or hole that runs down the middle. Last week when I put the boat on the trailer upon returning back to the ramp, I noted a lot of water running from the keels drain holes. The keep has an outside piece that runs the length of it. I don't think the boat is seamed along the keep but the hull is one solid piece from gunnel to gunnel.
I cannot find any leaks in the transom or at the through hulls. Not sure where to look next except to lift the deck and dig out all the old foam. I left the original foam in place when I replaced the decking in 07 as it was bright yellow and felt dry. It wasn't damp. Recently saw a pic of a person who cut out the old foam. It too was bright yellow but had three inches of water in it. Top 6 inches or so was completely dry. This was my parents boat and only saw fresh water from 87-07. Water draining into the bilge is salt water.
Thoughts on any further tests I can do before digging the boat back apart?
John
