Taking on water

[jayard78]

I just bought an older boat, 75 bass boat, and it has been taking on some water when I am out and about. After an inspection of the hull I found a couple areas of concern but one area that is presumably the problem. I have a crack in the hull about 4 inches long. You can see the inside of the fiber glass but it is not so huge or deep that I can see if it goes straight through the hull.

Anyone got any advice on how to combat this. I can provide a pic later if needed.

Btw I am taking on about 3-4 gallons every few hours I think is a good approximation.

 

[zach103]

Re: Taking on water

can you get to it from inside the boat?

 

[jayard78]

Re: Taking on water

Maybe, it is on the port side in the front of the boat, I maybe can look in through one of the cubbie storage areas on the left. I also did not mention that in the back of the boat I have noticed there is some rotted wood in the area where the 6 gallon gas tank is stored. It is covered but the cover is cracking and I can see the rotted wood under it.

I like this boat, but I like my motor more, am I running a risk of sinking?

 

[DixieBoatN]

Re: Taking on water

Without seeing a picture of it, it is hard to say that the location you are mentioning is where the water is coming in. If you can get to the back side of it, spray it down hard with a water hose and see if you feel moisture on the inside of it.

I would also not settle on this one location as being the culprit. Make sure that the plug you are using is tight. If I push mine in and do not give it a few turns to tighten it before I flip the eye up, it will allow water in.

Check any existing holes in the hull too, like intakes for live wells or fuel tank vents or bilge pump outlets. Bilge pump outlets and fuel tank vents should be plumbed such that they come out above the water line, but it is worth it to check. I installed my live well pump without sealant as the directions suggest to do. There is a rubber gasket that goes on the inside side of the thru-hull fitting. It makes me uncomfortable. I intend to pull it out again and spread some 4200 all around it. It might not be a bad idea for you to do the same.

Lastly, make sure that your bilge pump is operating. If it is operating and you are only taking on as much water as you describe, you should be fine until you discover the source of the leak. If it gets worse or the bilge pump either breaks or can't keep up, all bets are off.

 

[jayard78]

Re: Taking on water

I was thinking about installing a backup bilge, I have a few laying around. What is anyone's take on rotted wood found in a boat. Is the hull integrity in jeopardy, in other words, is this thing gonna split in half at 35 mph in the middle of Tampa Bay?

 

[zach103]

Re: Taking on water

if theres rotted wood take it out and replace it.. may take you a week or two but youll know that your safe.. get some pictures too so we know exactly what your talking about.. you should check your deck too see if theres any rot.