Water leaking into boat

[Newowner2011]

I have a 19ft 1991 StarCraft with a 4.3L Mercruiser with an Alpha One drive . When I troll for 4-5 hours and put it back on trailer and pull the drain plug I get probably get at least 4-5 gallons of water in a steady stream running out. Prior to this I manually turn on the bilge pump and I get no water being pumped out.

 

[Watermann]

Re: Water leaking into boat

I would do a leak test to see where it's coming out, that's a lot of water so there should either be some rivets missing or badly damaged. If you can't find them add some water to the bilge and see where it starts dripping. If not then start looking at your through the hull fittings, livewell hoses, outdrive and then leaks from the engine cooling system.

Edit: Oh and your bilge pump that isn't working. Check it's hose, fuse, switch and get that sucker working again before you go back out.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Water leaking into boat

the water is coming out of the bilge drain and not a live well that's back filled while In the water? I would have thought 4-5 gallons was enough to cover the pump unless its come loose off the base.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Water leaking into boat

4-5 gallons isn't much when spread across the whole bottom of your boat. At trolling speeds I doubt my pump is low enough to pick that up unless I'm on plane and it all rushes to the back.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Water leaking into boat

Live well???? I would inspect the live well lines for leaks. The other thing I would check is the outdrive and seals. 4-5 gallons IS NOT acceptable at all. I have a 16' aluminum starcraft and I can spend the entire day on the water and never have a drop come out when I pull the plug.

Considering the age of your boat I would do some serious investigation. Hmmmmm I wonder if your flotation foam is waterlogged too?

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Water leaking into boat

Before going back on the water-- get the pump situation fixed. No,, 4 - 5 gallons is NOT acceptable. I run my boat all day and troll in 3'ers without a drop in the bilge.