water in hull..how much is too much

[kia]

I bought an 1989 18' Wellcraft fishing boat. I drained the water from hull at the ramp and then took her out for 2 hours on a lake. Upon my return, I drained 2 gallons out. Is this unusual? I was thinking of replacing the deck access panel (you know...the 8" round thing in the floor) near the engine. I guess I can also try to see if water is coming through the transom at depth finder or speedometer. I have also read that the hook where the winch attachs can leak. Otherwise, the only other item below water line is the live well which I do not know how to use. I imagine they can leak also.

Is this the proper procedure??

Kia

 

[jevery]

Re: water in hull..how much is too much

Two gallons is substantial for two hours on the water. Don't forget to check the drain plug itself. If you have the plastic plug with a rubber O ring, they have to be snugged down clear to the O ring or they'll leak about that amount. The deck access panel should have a rubber O ring as well - Check and make sure it's in place. Also the livewell plumbing is a likely suspect. If yours is plumbed like mine you have two thru hull fittings below the waterline and one above. My boat is new and I had to remove one of my fittings and reseal it to stop a slow leak. Get your boat completely dry and as soon as you put in get your flashlight and see if you can locate the source. Good Luck

 

[Almeja]

Re: water in hull..how much is too much

Is the boat powered by an Inboard/Outdrive or an Outboard? There aren't too many places to take on water from below the waterline with an outboard... except that thru-hull for the livewell.

That's what I'd look to first.

You mentioned replacing the deck access plate... did you get water/spray splashing into the boat on your extended drive? It adds up surprisingly quick. You will also be amazed at how much water swimmers will bring aboard when they climb out of the water.

Another possibility is that there might have been water trapped somewhere in the bilges that didn't get drained the first time.

Driving the boat around may have sloshed it down to the main bilge where it could drain.

You might drain, drive the boat 'vigorously' for 20 minutes and try a repeat on the drain. Then see what you get when you pull the boat out again.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: water in hull..how much is too much

FYI, My bro-in-law had a Wellcraft and the transom rotted out on it. Funny, cause it was kept in a shed and wasn't all that old.

Mark

 

[kia]

Re: water in hull..how much is too much

The drain in the transom is a threaded brass fitting so I doubt that is the cause. I am going to try to see if the 2 live well fitting that lay below water line are the culprit. I guess I will use a flashlight and look in the access panels to see if hoses are cracked. Do people ever just plug these holes?
Kia

 

[kia]

Re: water in hull..how much is too much

Is the boat powered by an Inboard/Outdrive or an Outboard? There aren't too many places to take on water from below the waterline with an outboard... except that thru-hull for the livewell.

That's what I'd look to first.

You mentioned replacing the deck access plate... did you get water/spray splashing into the boat on your extended drive? It adds up surprisingly quick. You will also be amazed at how much water swimmers will bring aboard when they climb out of the water.

Another possibility is that there might have been water trapped somewhere in the bilges that didn't get drained the first time.

Driving the boat around may have sloshed it down to the main bilge where it could drain.

You might drain, drive the boat 'vigorously' for 20 minutes and try a repeat on the drain. Then see what you get when you pull the boat out again.



It is an outboard and we did not swim etc. I plan to replace deck access at that area anyway since I already bought the part. There are 2 live well penetrations below waterline that could easily be the problem since boat is 1989.
Thanks for comments.
Kia

 

[AguaSki]

Re: water in hull..how much is too much

What about the fitting that your threaded brass plug screws into? If the fitting has been over torqued when the plug is screwed in, it could now be loose and leaking. My bro. inlaw- had to remove his fitting and reinstall. Not a drop now.

I also had a deck lid in my splash well for bilge pump access. When I bought the boat it leaked real bad. I eventually replaced the entire oring (lid, o-ring, and mounting ring.) dont now don't get a drop in the bilge.

I agree that wet bodies can bring in a lot of water so be sure that is not your problem.