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Water in the bilge
Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge
every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? This has happened ever since I bought the boat new but I used to drain it every time I took it out...Now I have it on a boat lift and I drain it about every 3 times I take it out and water pours out of the drain plug for 25-30 seconds and sometimes more.... Could this be a hull problem, which would be still under warranty? Or is it probably engine related? -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). |
Water in the bilge
I am not familiar with Sea Ray
Is it shaft? or out drive? Reuben On Mon, 02 Aug 2004 23:41:19 GMT, Jim Woodard wrote: Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? This has happened ever since I bought the boat new but I used to drain it every time I took it out...Now I have it on a boat lift and I drain it about every 3 times I take it out and water pours out of the drain plug for 25-30 seconds and sometimes more.... Could this be a hull problem, which would be still under warranty? Or is it probably engine related? |
Water in the bilge
It's an I/O...
Reuben Rothstein wrote: I am not familiar with Sea Ray Is it shaft? or out drive? Reuben On Mon, 02 Aug 2004 23:41:19 GMT, Jim Woodard wrote: Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? This has happened ever since I bought the boat new but I used to drain it every time I took it out...Now I have it on a boat lift and I drain it about every 3 times I take it out and water pours out of the drain plug for 25-30 seconds and sometimes more.... Could this be a hull problem, which would be still under warranty? Or is it probably engine related? -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). |
Water in the bilge
"Jim Woodard" wrote in message ... Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? Some amount is inevitable. If you wash the boat then it is quite likely that water gets sprayed into the vents. When you run the boat, water can often spray in. If people swim and/or ski and climb back into the boat wet then they will bring water in with them. The amount that you describe sounds like a bit more than what I would attribute to these causes, so you may have a leak. While a slow leak doesn't represent a significant danger of sinking it can have long term effects on the boat. The transom usually has wood that provides the strength, and if the leak causes this wood to get wet it can rot and that would be very bad. My suggestion is to try to establish when and where the leak is coming from. Before you start boating, open the engine hatch and inspect the bilge. Dry it out with a towel if you have to. Launch the boat and let it sit for a few minutes, then look for any water. If it is still dry, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Inspect again. Take it for a short run, being careful not to take any water over the side. Inspect again. Once you see water, try to establish if it is coming from the front or rear. If you establish that the leak is coming from the outdrive then you really need to stop the leak. You may need to change the rubber boot in the outdrive or re-seal the mounting holes. Rod |
Water in the bilge
No swimmers or ski-ers......no sprays....just water....I took my
engine manual down to the dealer today and he showed me several things to look at and try. Everyone tells me some amount is inevitable.... but no one can tell me where it is coming from. I have never towed a ski-er and have never even had anybody with wet clothes or swim suits enter the boat. I have never used a hose to wash the boat....only used towels on the outside hull.... Having said that, I now know where SOME of the water is coming from. I have 5 blue plastic valves which I remove in order to winterize the boat...when I remove them, water drains from the block. I saw water leaking from two of them (just dripping slowly) and I found out there are o-rings which I never knew existed and apparently lost (dropped) over the winter a year ago....I picked up two new ones and replaced them...no more drops....however, I am told the others need o-rings too...they are underneath the engine and I never saw them leaking.. I got 3 new o-rings today and will replace them this weekend...that might change the amount of water.....but it still does not answer the question why did I get water in the bilge even the first year long before I ever winterized the boat and removed those plastic valves? I talked with the service manager and the sales manager today and they both claim they get some water in the bilge every time they go out....but the draining lasts only about 3 or 4 seconds. That's probably a lot more like I used to have the first year.... Also picked up some bilge cleaner (our lake has a muddy bottom and cloudy water and has dirtied the bilge considerably)....was surprised to see all you have to do is pour in some clean water and about 2/3 of this can and then take the boat out on the lake for an hour or so....then open the drain cock and let it all run out and your bilge is supposed to be clean....no scrubbing or using a brush or anything else....I supposed you guys know all about this but I learn something new every day about boating and am glad to do so. I just read the manuals this year even though I had the boat for 2 years....learned a bunch even about starting the engine which I never knew....pays to read, I guess....and before all else fails. Rod McInnis wrote: "Jim Woodard" wrote in message ... Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? Some amount is inevitable. If you wash the boat then it is quite likely that water gets sprayed into the vents. When you run the boat, water can often spray in. If people swim and/or ski and climb back into the boat wet then they will bring water in with them. The amount that you describe sounds like a bit more than what I would attribute to these causes, so you may have a leak. While a slow leak doesn't represent a significant danger of sinking it can have long term effects on the boat. The transom usually has wood that provides the strength, and if the leak causes this wood to get wet it can rot and that would be very bad. My suggestion is to try to establish when and where the leak is coming from. Before you start boating, open the engine hatch and inspect the bilge. Dry it out with a towel if you have to. Launch the boat and let it sit for a few minutes, then look for any water. If it is still dry, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Inspect again. Take it for a short run, being careful not to take any water over the side. Inspect again. Once you see water, try to establish if it is coming from the front or rear. If you establish that the leak is coming from the outdrive then you really need to stop the leak. You may need to change the rubber boot in the outdrive or re-seal the mounting holes. Rod -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). |
Water in the bilge
Its possible the water is actually accumulating all the time, but it takes the
boat's motion to coax it into the bilge where you can see it. Icebox? Condensation? "Jim Woodard" wrote in message ... No swimmers or ski-ers......no sprays....just water....I took my engine manual down to the dealer today and he showed me several things to look at and try. Everyone tells me some amount is inevitable.... but no one can tell me where it is coming from. I have never towed a ski-er and have never even had anybody with wet clothes or swim suits enter the boat. I have never used a hose to wash the boat....only used towels on the outside hull.... Having said that, I now know where SOME of the water is coming from. I have 5 blue plastic valves which I remove in order to winterize the boat...when I remove them, water drains from the block. I saw water leaking from two of them (just dripping slowly) and I found out there are o-rings which I never knew existed and apparently lost (dropped) over the winter a year ago....I picked up two new ones and replaced them...no more drops....however, I am told the others need o-rings too...they are underneath the engine and I never saw them leaking.. I got 3 new o-rings today and will replace them this weekend...that might change the amount of water.....but it still does not answer the question why did I get water in the bilge even the first year long before I ever winterized the boat and removed those plastic valves? I talked with the service manager and the sales manager today and they both claim they get some water in the bilge every time they go out....but the draining lasts only about 3 or 4 seconds. That's probably a lot more like I used to have the first year.... Also picked up some bilge cleaner (our lake has a muddy bottom and cloudy water and has dirtied the bilge considerably)....was surprised to see all you have to do is pour in some clean water and about 2/3 of this can and then take the boat out on the lake for an hour or so....then open the drain cock and let it all run out and your bilge is supposed to be clean....no scrubbing or using a brush or anything else....I supposed you guys know all about this but I learn something new every day about boating and am glad to do so. I just read the manuals this year even though I had the boat for 2 years....learned a bunch even about starting the engine which I never knew....pays to read, I guess....and before all else fails. Rod McInnis wrote: "Jim Woodard" wrote in message ... Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? Some amount is inevitable. If you wash the boat then it is quite likely that water gets sprayed into the vents. When you run the boat, water can often spray in. If people swim and/or ski and climb back into the boat wet then they will bring water in with them. The amount that you describe sounds like a bit more than what I would attribute to these causes, so you may have a leak. While a slow leak doesn't represent a significant danger of sinking it can have long term effects on the boat. The transom usually has wood that provides the strength, and if the leak causes this wood to get wet it can rot and that would be very bad. My suggestion is to try to establish when and where the leak is coming from. Before you start boating, open the engine hatch and inspect the bilge. Dry it out with a towel if you have to. Launch the boat and let it sit for a few minutes, then look for any water. If it is still dry, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Inspect again. Take it for a short run, being careful not to take any water over the side. Inspect again. Once you see water, try to establish if it is coming from the front or rear. If you establish that the leak is coming from the outdrive then you really need to stop the leak. You may need to change the rubber boot in the outdrive or re-seal the mounting holes. Rod -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). |
Water in the bilge
No icebox. Condensation only if it is caused by our high humidity...
but I get it during the non-humid days too....guess I am going to have to hope the new o-rings fix the problem enough for it not to be a problem but just a nuisance. Jeff Morris wrote: Its possible the water is actually accumulating all the time, but it takes the boat's motion to coax it into the bilge where you can see it. Icebox? Condensation? "Jim Woodard" wrote in message ... No swimmers or ski-ers......no sprays....just water....I took my engine manual down to the dealer today and he showed me several things to look at and try. Everyone tells me some amount is inevitable.... but no one can tell me where it is coming from. I have never towed a ski-er and have never even had anybody with wet clothes or swim suits enter the boat. I have never used a hose to wash the boat....only used towels on the outside hull.... Having said that, I now know where SOME of the water is coming from. I have 5 blue plastic valves which I remove in order to winterize the boat...when I remove them, water drains from the block. I saw water leaking from two of them (just dripping slowly) and I found out there are o-rings which I never knew existed and apparently lost (dropped) over the winter a year ago....I picked up two new ones and replaced them...no more drops....however, I am told the others need o-rings too...they are underneath the engine and I never saw them leaking.. I got 3 new o-rings today and will replace them this weekend...that might change the amount of water.....but it still does not answer the question why did I get water in the bilge even the first year long before I ever winterized the boat and removed those plastic valves? I talked with the service manager and the sales manager today and they both claim they get some water in the bilge every time they go out....but the draining lasts only about 3 or 4 seconds. That's probably a lot more like I used to have the first year.... Also picked up some bilge cleaner (our lake has a muddy bottom and cloudy water and has dirtied the bilge considerably)....was surprised to see all you have to do is pour in some clean water and about 2/3 of this can and then take the boat out on the lake for an hour or so....then open the drain cock and let it all run out and your bilge is supposed to be clean....no scrubbing or using a brush or anything else....I supposed you guys know all about this but I learn something new every day about boating and am glad to do so. I just read the manuals this year even though I had the boat for 2 years....learned a bunch even about starting the engine which I never knew....pays to read, I guess....and before all else fails. Rod McInnis wrote: "Jim Woodard" wrote in message ... Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? Some amount is inevitable. If you wash the boat then it is quite likely that water gets sprayed into the vents. When you run the boat, water can often spray in. If people swim and/or ski and climb back into the boat wet then they will bring water in with them. The amount that you describe sounds like a bit more than what I would attribute to these causes, so you may have a leak. While a slow leak doesn't represent a significant danger of sinking it can have long term effects on the boat. The transom usually has wood that provides the strength, and if the leak causes this wood to get wet it can rot and that would be very bad. My suggestion is to try to establish when and where the leak is coming from. Before you start boating, open the engine hatch and inspect the bilge. Dry it out with a towel if you have to. Launch the boat and let it sit for a few minutes, then look for any water. If it is still dry, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Inspect again. Take it for a short run, being careful not to take any water over the side. Inspect again. Once you see water, try to establish if it is coming from the front or rear. If you establish that the leak is coming from the outdrive then you really need to stop the leak. You may need to change the rubber boot in the outdrive or re-seal the mounting holes. Rod -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). |
Water in the bilge
Jim,
I'm having the same problem, and am still investigating it. Here are some things to keep try or keep in mind. Unless you have a manual bilge pump only, there is no way to tell how much water your are getting in the bilge. I wired in a counter to actualy increment by one whenever the pump activates. By pouring water into your bilge I can measure the ammount of water needed to the float the switch that automatically activates the pump. At the very least I can monitor if the condition is getting worse, such as the pump cycling more often during the same trip distance and conditions. Check your bilge pump(s) and other thru-hull hoses to make sure they are properly looped above their thru-hull. If the discharge hose is not looped in this manner, water bay be splashing in via the thru-hull then dumping back into the bilge. Not a major problem, but if you don't know how the water is getting in ... I suspect I am having this is the problem with my 28 Wellcraft, since I don't seem to take on any water at displacement speeds. As for troubleshooting... let the boat sit at the dock for a few rainless days and note if any water gets in. Even with rains, most boats are designed to dump the majority of water out via scuppers so the water intake should by no means be significant. Next have someone who is compentent at the helm or at inspecting for water ingress head out with you with hatches open on a calm sunny day. Have them look at the lowest point in the boat, usually the engine hatch. If they see water accumulating have them note where, and follow up by looking through every inspection hatch. If there is no water present, repeat the process at planing speeds. Hope this helps. Bob Dimond In article , wrote: Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? This has happened ever since I bought the boat new but I used to drain it every time I took it out...Now I have it on a boat lift and I drain it about every 3 times I take it out and water pours out of the drain plug for 25-30 seconds and sometimes more.... Could this be a hull problem, which would be still under warranty? Or is it probably engine related? -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). |
Water in the bilge
Thanks, Gene....but I have the boat covered each time it is on the
lift, and the only way I can remove the drain is to go in the water and swim over to the boat with my trusty crescent wrench....that, of course, requires changing to my swim suit, etc.....it is a private place so I am the only one who could do it....we are on an inland lake. Gene Kearns wrote: On Mon, 02 Aug 2004 23:41:19 GMT, Jim Woodard wrote: Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? This has happened ever since I bought the boat new but I used to drain it every time I took it out...Now I have it on a boat lift and I drain it about every 3 times I take it out and water pours out of the drain plug for 25-30 seconds and sometimes more.... Could this be a hull problem, which would be still under warranty? Or is it probably engine related? Jim, I'm not sure where the water is coming from (though I suspect rain/ condensation) and it doesn't seem to be enough to be terribly concerned about..... however, a statement caught my eye..... "Now I have it on a boat lift and I drain it about every 3 times..." I read this that you are in dry storage and that the lift operator isn't removing your (garboard) drain plug. He should be. (If it is a private lift *you* should be.) Ever mindful of heavy rains and hurricanes (we just ducked Alex), one doesn't want a boat in dry storage to fill with rainwater... it can split the hull. Boats make really good boats, but really poor water containers.... -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). |
Water in the bilge
Thanks, Bob....will keep all this in mind when I go back to the boat
this weekend and investigate some more. "Bob D." wrote: Jim, I'm having the same problem, and am still investigating it. Here are some things to keep try or keep in mind. Unless you have a manual bilge pump only, there is no way to tell how much water your are getting in the bilge. I wired in a counter to actualy increment by one whenever the pump activates. By pouring water into your bilge I can measure the ammount of water needed to the float the switch that automatically activates the pump. At the very least I can monitor if the condition is getting worse, such as the pump cycling more often during the same trip distance and conditions. Check your bilge pump(s) and other thru-hull hoses to make sure they are properly looped above their thru-hull. If the discharge hose is not looped in this manner, water bay be splashing in via the thru-hull then dumping back into the bilge. Not a major problem, but if you don't know how the water is getting in ... I suspect I am having this is the problem with my 28 Wellcraft, since I don't seem to take on any water at displacement speeds. As for troubleshooting... let the boat sit at the dock for a few rainless days and note if any water gets in. Even with rains, most boats are designed to dump the majority of water out via scuppers so the water intake should by no means be significant. Next have someone who is compentent at the helm or at inspecting for water ingress head out with you with hatches open on a calm sunny day. Have them look at the lowest point in the boat, usually the engine hatch. If they see water accumulating have them note where, and follow up by looking through every inspection hatch. If there is no water present, repeat the process at planing speeds. Hope this helps. Bob Dimond In article , wrote: Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? This has happened ever since I bought the boat new but I used to drain it every time I took it out...Now I have it on a boat lift and I drain it about every 3 times I take it out and water pours out of the drain plug for 25-30 seconds and sometimes more.... Could this be a hull problem, which would be still under warranty? Or is it probably engine related? -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). |
Water in the bilge
Just had a friend with the same problem of mysterious bilge water. He found
it was a leaky hose connection that only leaked under higher pressures, ie high rpm's !!! G "Bob D." wrote in message ... Jim, I'm having the same problem, and am still investigating it. Here are some things to keep try or keep in mind. Unless you have a manual bilge pump only, there is no way to tell how much water your are getting in the bilge. I wired in a counter to actualy increment by one whenever the pump activates. By pouring water into your bilge I can measure the ammount of water needed to the float the switch that automatically activates the pump. At the very least I can monitor if the condition is getting worse, such as the pump cycling more often during the same trip distance and conditions. Check your bilge pump(s) and other thru-hull hoses to make sure they are properly looped above their thru-hull. If the discharge hose is not looped in this manner, water bay be splashing in via the thru-hull then dumping back into the bilge. Not a major problem, but if you don't know how the water is getting in ... I suspect I am having this is the problem with my 28 Wellcraft, since I don't seem to take on any water at displacement speeds. As for troubleshooting... let the boat sit at the dock for a few rainless days and note if any water gets in. Even with rains, most boats are designed to dump the majority of water out via scuppers so the water intake should by no means be significant. Next have someone who is compentent at the helm or at inspecting for water ingress head out with you with hatches open on a calm sunny day. Have them look at the lowest point in the boat, usually the engine hatch. If they see water accumulating have them note where, and follow up by looking through every inspection hatch. If there is no water present, repeat the process at planing speeds. Hope this helps. Bob Dimond In article , wrote: Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? This has happened ever since I bought the boat new but I used to drain it every time I took it out...Now I have it on a boat lift and I drain it about every 3 times I take it out and water pours out of the drain plug for 25-30 seconds and sometimes more.... Could this be a hull problem, which would be still under warranty? Or is it probably engine related? -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). |
Water in the bilge
Service manager at the dealership mentioned that, and showed me which
hose clamps to check and when....got a weekend project. Gordon wrote: Just had a friend with the same problem of mysterious bilge water. He found it was a leaky hose connection that only leaked under higher pressures, ie high rpm's !!! G "Bob D." wrote in message ... Jim, I'm having the same problem, and am still investigating it. Here are some things to keep try or keep in mind. Unless you have a manual bilge pump only, there is no way to tell how much water your are getting in the bilge. I wired in a counter to actualy increment by one whenever the pump activates. By pouring water into your bilge I can measure the ammount of water needed to the float the switch that automatically activates the pump. At the very least I can monitor if the condition is getting worse, such as the pump cycling more often during the same trip distance and conditions. Check your bilge pump(s) and other thru-hull hoses to make sure they are properly looped above their thru-hull. If the discharge hose is not looped in this manner, water bay be splashing in via the thru-hull then dumping back into the bilge. Not a major problem, but if you don't know how the water is getting in ... I suspect I am having this is the problem with my 28 Wellcraft, since I don't seem to take on any water at displacement speeds. As for troubleshooting... let the boat sit at the dock for a few rainless days and note if any water gets in. Even with rains, most boats are designed to dump the majority of water out via scuppers so the water intake should by no means be significant. Next have someone who is compentent at the helm or at inspecting for water ingress head out with you with hatches open on a calm sunny day. Have them look at the lowest point in the boat, usually the engine hatch. If they see water accumulating have them note where, and follow up by looking through every inspection hatch. If there is no water present, repeat the process at planing speeds. Hope this helps. Bob Dimond In article , wrote: Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? This has happened ever since I bought the boat new but I used to drain it every time I took it out...Now I have it on a boat lift and I drain it about every 3 times I take it out and water pours out of the drain plug for 25-30 seconds and sometimes more.... Could this be a hull problem, which would be still under warranty? Or is it probably engine related? -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). |
Water in the bilge
I am still fixing my lovely boat - dam thing had several leaks - the
stuffing box on the ruder shaft, a crack near the prop filling up the keel which forced water through the hull (yes) at a weak point near a bulkhead forward of the engine and now the bloody shaft seal is leaking. stay determined - dry out with a towel if necessary and you will eventually find it and have a dry boat. Don't believe that a boat should have water in the bilge - it shouldn't. Shawn "Scallywag" "Jim Woodard" wrote in message ... Service manager at the dealership mentioned that, and showed me which hose clamps to check and when....got a weekend project. Gordon wrote: Just had a friend with the same problem of mysterious bilge water. He found it was a leaky hose connection that only leaked under higher pressures, ie high rpm's !!! G "Bob D." wrote in message ... Jim, I'm having the same problem, and am still investigating it. Here are some things to keep try or keep in mind. Unless you have a manual bilge pump only, there is no way to tell how much water your are getting in the bilge. I wired in a counter to actualy increment by one whenever the pump activates. By pouring water into your bilge I can measure the ammount of water needed to the float the switch that automatically activates the pump. At the very least I can monitor if the condition is getting worse, such as the pump cycling more often during the same trip distance and conditions. Check your bilge pump(s) and other thru-hull hoses to make sure they are properly looped above their thru-hull. If the discharge hose is not looped in this manner, water bay be splashing in via the thru-hull then dumping back into the bilge. Not a major problem, but if you don't know how the water is getting in ... I suspect I am having this is the problem with my 28 Wellcraft, since I don't seem to take on any water at displacement speeds. As for troubleshooting... let the boat sit at the dock for a few rainless days and note if any water gets in. Even with rains, most boats are designed to dump the majority of water out via scuppers so the water intake should by no means be significant. Next have someone who is compentent at the helm or at inspecting for water ingress head out with you with hatches open on a calm sunny day. Have them look at the lowest point in the boat, usually the engine hatch. If they see water accumulating have them note where, and follow up by looking through every inspection hatch. If there is no water present, repeat the process at planing speeds. Hope this helps. Bob Dimond In article , wrote: Can anyone tell me why I get a significant amount of water in the bilge every time I take my Sea Ray out on the water? This has happened ever since I bought the boat new but I used to drain it every time I took it out...Now I have it on a boat lift and I drain it about every 3 times I take it out and water pours out of the drain plug for 25-30 seconds and sometimes more.... Could this be a hull problem, which would be still under warranty? Or is it probably engine related? -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). -- - Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). |
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