Taking on water

[4runneradam]

1985 Bayliner 16' 85hp Force OB

Took the boat out on the river today, and the battery/gas can compartment began to fill with water. If I went slow it got pretty full, and if I went fast it began to empty. But it never overflowed. After about 45 minutes i took it out of the water, and pulled the plug. It flowed fast out of the plug for at least 5 minutes, probably got 20-30 gallons? I didn't have this problem last time out. Never had more than just a little bit of water come out the plug.

I did have to patch the bottom of the transom just above the plug with some marine fiberglass 2 part epoxy. The motor fell when I towed it last week. The little slotted bracket that holds the motor up must have moved up allowing the motor to slam down and dug a hole in the fiberglass. I wasn't sure if it went all the way through. Here's a pic of the patch....

I guess it's not sealed. I don't see any other holes on the boat. It has to be coming from there. Should I try to reseal it with something else? Or is there another common area that would cause it to take on water in the gas can area?

Whats an easy way to find a leak on the boat? Is there a way to do it with a hose, out of the water?

 

[gcboat]

Re: Taking on water

Absolutely - just start filling the bilge with water and watch for it coming out. If it's a leak and water is coming in makes sense that it will also flow out the same hole. Make sure you install the drainplug.

 

[4runneradam]

Re: Taking on water

Filled it with water, nothing came out. I guess it's leaking from one of the mounting screws for the motor or the ladder. I think the best way will be to set it out on the water and look back behind the seats and behind the gas tanks for water coming in.

Now that I think of it, when I was working on the motor, I did hear a "creek" sound like some fiberglass breaking. I couldn't visually see anything wrong, so I wrote it off. I could have opened up one of the mounting holes for the motor.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Taking on water

Geez - anything is possible. You also need to realize that the water pressure will not be as great trying to escape as trying to get in, that could cause a wee bit of a situation. Yea, you're right on about floating her and watching - but bring some cold beverages of your choice.

 

[4runneradam]

Re: Taking on water

Yup, gotta have cold beverages! And a good bilge pump!