taking on water....need some info

[k5ranger]

alright ...i'm not sure of the proper name for this item on my boat so i'm going to describe it and the problem.<br />there are two self bailing drain holes at the rear of my boat( 18'6" c/c palm beach). each has a black flap on the outer section. i know that these are supposed to let water out of my boat when under way, but should water be coming into the boat thru these holes when not under power? well they are and my fishing buddies feet are getting cold and wet!!! he's threatening mutiny.<br />thanks for the advice, this is first experience with this type of boat and functions.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: taking on water....need some info

They are called Scuppers... <br /><br />Some are better than others... Many different kinds.. Flaps, check valves, ping-pong ball type.. Some allow the option of plugging the hole with a regular 1" drain plug..<br /><br /> In theory scuppers are'nt supposed to let water back in, however most do allow at least some water in from wave action...

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: taking on water....need some info

snapperbait is right. Scuppers always let some water back into the boat. They are supposed to be installed only above the waterline. It sounds like you have too much weight in the back of the boat.

 

[flydangler]

Re: taking on water....need some info

The above answers are good, but if you've got an older boat water may have seeped into the sole. This could waterlog the flotation foam and decrease draft back aft. If this is the case you've got a problem with a leak that could be serious.

 

[Link]

Re: taking on water....need some info

Wow I hope you didn't nail it Pat! Aside from weighting the boat (which you can do for free) Could one drill a small hole through the deck and insert a (moister gauge) into the foam like they use for plants? Depending on the age of the boat it might be hard to get the specs on the weight.<br />Just a weird thought<br /><br />Link

 

[flydangler]

Re: taking on water....need some info

"Could one drill a small hole through the deck and insert a (moister gauge) into the foam like they use for plants?"<br /><br />Before I'd start suggesting drilling holes and such methinks I'd want more information. <br /><br />1. How old is the boat? <br /><br />2. Has the problem been getting worse over time?<br /><br />3. Any visible cracks, deep gouges or such in the area?<br /><br />4. Any other damage anywhere that might be causing this problem?<br /><br />If it seems that it's a seepage problem then time to move this to the boat building and repair project boats section. The guys there really know their stuff and can probably talk you through diagnosing and fixing the problem without doing major surgery on the boat.

 

[k5ranger]

Re: taking on water....need some info

the boat is a 99 model boat. the water that i am taking on is coming from the scuppers. i have checked the boat for cracks but have found none. i couldn't figure out why so much water was coming in thru the scuppers, but i believe i'm just going to plug the holes ad install a small floor drain in the rear and let any excess water go to the bilge area.<br />thanks for the replies.

 

[k5ranger]

Re: taking on water....need some info

the boat is a 99 model boat. the water that i am taking on is coming from the scuppers. i have checked the boat for cracks but have found none. i couldn't figure out why so much water was coming in thru the scuppers, but i believe i'm just going to plug the holes ad install a small floor drain in the rear and let any excess water go to the bilge area.<br />i don't believe there is to much weight in the rear as there is only a battery and the motor...both put there by the manufacturer.<br />thanks for the replies.

 

[DJ]

Re: taking on water....need some info

k5ranger,<br /><br />I owned a 1996 Palm Beach 18.5 Baydancer with a 140 Suzuki.<br /><br />At rest, there was always about 1/4 of water at the stern. The flap style scuppers do not make a perfect seal and my boat sat somewhat stern heavy.

 

[k5ranger]

Re: taking on water....need some info

that's exactly what i've got going on. what do you think...should i plug the scuppers or change scupper style( if possible)?

 

[DJ]

Re: taking on water....need some info

It never bothered me. The water was in only about the last six inches of the floor.<br /><br />You can try the ball type scuppers.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: taking on water....need some info

Agreed on the ball type.. They work pretty good for me.. Mine are 1/2" to an inch above the waterline at rest...

 

[mattttt25]

Re: taking on water....need some info

i wouldn't plug the scuppers. they still function to allow water on the deck to run out. imagine being caught in a heavy rain storm and you're taking shots over the bow as you run for cover. with the scuppers, the water is flowing right out the stern of the boat. you don't want all that water going to the bilge.<br /><br />do something simple first- simply replace the scuppers with new ones. even new flappers will probably help.

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: taking on water....need some info

Maybe even just use a cork that you can remove if you start to take on water?

 

[richg99]

Re: taking on water....need some info

Two corks...with a string attached, so you can pull them both easily in an emergency. Many, many smaller boats have this very same problem.<br /><br />I did add the ball type scuppers. They let water in at-rest too, though. <br /><br />You could 1. Ask your fishing buddy to lose some weight. 2. Move weight ( other than he) forward. 3. Have him wear rubber booties. 4 Change places with him and it will get fixed real quick, I'd guess. 5 Go without him, then the boat won't weigh so much in the stern and the problem will disappear... ho ho ho RichG

 

[flydangler]

Re: taking on water....need some info

I'm glad it seems to be a minor weight distribution problem and not something more serious. Waterlogged foam in the sole is often accompanied by other really unpleasant surprises.

 

[k5ranger]

Re: taking on water....need some info

thanks for the advice ya'll.<br /> <br />hey richg99 i lake the idea of asking my fishing buddy to lose weight. the only problem is that my wife is sometimes my fishing partner and asking her to lose weihght might get me "living with the fish"...if ya know what i mean!<br /><br /> i am going to try putting plugs in the holes ...and i promise i'll take them out if it starts raining.