water in bilge

[rob85546]

Ive seen in the past where others have found water in their bilge.. Just my experience.<br /><br />Had a little more water in the bilge than I thought should be.... Well had the wife spray a hose all around the drive(3.0 alpha 1) while I was looking inside with a flashlight. found water coming in from the 2 lower bolts on the outdrive.. the ones with the anodes on them. when I got them out the bolts are aluminum and they were eaten away... I put 2 new ones on from ebay and it seems like its fixed.. see what happens at the lake...

 

[Fishermark]

Re: water in bilge

Those bolts will corrode away, but it is also possible the transom may be soft there as well. I would check that too -- see if it is still solid or has softened with water intrusion.

 

[jch7450]

Re: water in bilge

did you use sealer when you replaced them?

 

[rob85546]

Re: water in bilge

ya, when I put the new bolts in I put marine silicone all over the bolts..

 

[rob85546]

Re: water in bilge

It didnt seem like there was any problems with the transom, I just got the boat so hopefully I caught it before it did any damage.

 

[rob85546]

Re: water in bilge

It didnt seem like there was any problems with the transom, I just got the boat so hopefully I caught it before it did any damage.

 

[Don S]

Re: water in bilge

Silicone should NOT be used to bed bolts or fittings below the water line.

 

[lilmandavis]

Re: water in bilge

i use the marine adhesive sealant from 3m.. 5200 is what i think its called. it more of a polyurethane

 

[rob85546]

Re: water in bilge

well I guess its already done, and seems to be sealed pretty well, so I guess just keep an eye on it??? <br />I just gooped the bolt up pretty well and when I tightened it down , it oozed out on the inside and outside.. there is silicone around the transom, speed cable and platforms also..<br /><br />I dont put it in salt water and probably only used it 5 or so times this summer...