Water in the hull?? Dry bilge...

[G. Arruda]

I know this ? has been addressed many times, but I still don't get it! The more research on this on these forums(which are GREAT!) It's got me thinking this may be the cause of change in performance. I've posted before W/ RPM/WOT ?'s (thanks to all who responded!) But the motor ( '88 OMC 3.0) seems to check out fine. I'm new to power boating last year was my 1st season, 2nd time out..."forgot the PLUG!" boat took on "alot" of water, dealt w/ all the imediate stuff(new starter, etc...) I don't have much recall on how the boat ran "pre-swamping" but, it seems harder to get on plane, and RPM @WOT +-3K. So, the long way to the ?, How can I tell if water is trapped in the hull and could this be the problem??? Please Help! Thank's in advance!

 

[code p1mp]

Re: Water in the hull?? Dry bilge...

wow... under your floorboards are the "stringers" and therin should be some foam that will resemble loafs of puffed bread. the only way ( that I know ) to determine if your stringers and foam have become saturated (as in this case I suspect is the case) would be to tear up a section of the floor at the hulls lowest point and cut into the foam to check for moisture in the foam. problem there would obviously be that you don't want to do that if you can avoid it, which is why I would recommend this:<br />Find out the dry weight of your boat and or traylor and note it down. Next, empty your boat of all unecessary gear and weight so that it is as close to the factory delivery weight as possible. Then take your boat to a weigh station and have it weighed. (They may charge you to do this or may not) Once you know the true weight of your boat you can compare it to the factory weight. Any overage and you may calculate the amount of water in gallons based on the weight of water. Should your boat be more than 100 lbs overweight, you should consider selling the boat to some other poor schmuck as the alternative would be a complete tear up of the flooring and foam to remove the saturated foam, followed by a new application of foam, decking, stringers and glass... ouch thats weeks of man hours and good fumes to get high on..

 

[G. Arruda]

Re: Water in the hull?? Dry bilge...

Code... Thanks for the reply(I think), this foam, isn't it suppose to float!! How does it absorbe water? Also, the boat is trailered, so it doesn't sit in the water for more than a day at a time. Is it poss. for the foam to become saturated with 1 dunking? Can I reach the stringers from the ski hold, it's carpeted. The boat is a '88 4 Winns Freedom 160, 3.0 OMC. and was seemingly well cared for prior to be buying it. Boy I hope there's a less ominous conclusion!!!

 

[code p1mp]

Re: Water in the hull?? Dry bilge...

Well, you said your forgot the plug and took on water pretty bad... when your bilge fill to capacity, tiny cracks in the glass can leak into the stringers. One short exposure is all it would take. Though it is true that the purpose of the foam is to keep the boat afloat in the event of an emergency, it is also true that it is porous and that it is only a delayed approach at saving you, not meant to be repeatedly soaked. Once wet the foam can take years to dry out or in most cases, never will because it is sealed in by the flooring. You can cut in there at your lowest hull point (usually the rear) and check her out if you are worried. Personally, I'd go the weighing option to avoid cutting her up.