Water in bilge but...

[jasbur1]

I have a 1990 Sport Craft with a Volvo AQ131D. I took it to the repair man to get a problem with fuel fixed and to see if he could find a leak in the water circulation. He said he found no signs of a leak but did not take it on the water.

Now I'm not talking about just a small amount of water from ropes, people, etc. It was at least six inches deep below the motor. When I took the boat out prior to going in for repairs it was for about 2 hours. The first 1 1/2 there was no signs of water in the bilge. However on the way back to the launch I opened up the compartment and there it was.

So my question is where else could the water be coming in? I assume somewhere around the connection to the out-drive but why would it be dry for most of the time on the water. The repair man says the hull is in great shape. Could some connection heat up over time and allow the water in?

Thanks for helping out a new boater.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Water in bilge but...

1st i suggest having a good bilge pump. there may be a hole or crack in the bellows. or any thru hull fitting. also if returning was against a chop, the joint between the cap and the hull, could be leaking. this joint is under the rub rail. when fighting a chop water splashes up under the rub rail and if not sealed the water can enter the boat. you can take a water hose and run it up under the rail all the way around the boat, and have someone watch for the intrusion.

i chased a leak in my deckboat, for months before i found it. rub rail.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Water in bilge but...

It could be a number of places.Bellows,transom assembly leaking.
Best thing would be to try and find it while on the water,Get a buddy to drive and get in the bilge with a flash light and maybe a mirror.Any signs of water in the gear lube?
Don S is the Volvo pro maybe he will have some input.

Tashasdaddy types faster...lol

Almost forgot,Welcome to Iboats!!

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Water in bilge but...

You might want to check for leaks from the engine's cooling system. My father, two friends and I hired a guide and his boat to fish inshore along the Georgia coastal islands. After a few hours, we noticed a significant amount of water in the boat and pumped it out. A couple of hours later, the water was back but then I realized the water was warm and it was December! It was only a problem when the engine was running. Good luck.

 

[jasbur1]

Re: Water in bilge but...

Any signs of water in the gear lube?

I'm attempting to pick up the boat this weekend or early next week so I'll ask about the gear lube. My guess is no because I went ahead and had him replace all the oils and fluids and so forth but he said nothing other than the water is not coming from the lake circulation (seawater pump?) or the engine.

Looks like I'll have to try the flashlight method with a friend.

Finding someone in western North Carolina to work on a Volvo was difficult. Had to take it to Greenville, SC.