Water in bilge

[egclassic]

I bought this 1996 Rinker Captiva 180, with Alpha one gen 2 outdrive about two months ago. I have had it out several times and it seems to get water in the bilge after being out for a couple of hours. Water never gets high enough to activate the auto float switch, but I am wondering where the water might be coming from. Of course I do not know the maintenance history of this boat to know when the last time the bellow has been checked/changed. I also never think to look in the bilge while I am out to see If I can spot a leak, always the after thought!

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Water in bilge

Open the engine (engine not running, boat in water) cover as best you can. Sponge out all of the water. Then take a flashlight and just watch. If bad bellows, should see water trickling down over the transom plate, a bad transom would likely come from under the transom plate. You may want to raise the outdrive some to see if it leaks more with the bellows stretched out a little. No leak than try again with engine running to see if there is any leakage from hoses. Be CAREFUL with the engine running.

 

[egclassic]

Re: Water in bilge

Thanks, I will try this on my next outing, Hopefully I will remember to do this before I pull the boat out this time!

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Water in bilge

Wet kids get water in my bilge by coming up the boarding ladder. What a couple of drips!