Water in the Bilge
 

A few days ago I posted a message regarding water in my bilge's new 2003
Trophy and all who responded were unanimous in agreeing that was not normal
and should be traced to the source so it could be remedied. Here is what
Ken Naff, the Regional Service Manager for Trophy boats said and I quote:

"With regard to water in the bilge, it is not uncommon and there will likely
be some residual such as you experience. If the water is in sufficient
quantity the bilge pump will pump it out. Please be advised when the pump
shuts off any water left in the hose runs back into the bilge."

How many of you agree with this explanation?

Water in the Bilge
 

Ernie wrote:
A few days ago I posted a message regarding water in my bilge's new 2003
Trophy and all who responded were unanimous in agreeing that was not normal
and should be traced to the source so it could be remedied. Here is what
Ken Naff, the Regional Service Manager for Trophy boats said and I quote:

"With regard to water in the bilge, it is not uncommon and there will likely
be some residual such as you experience. If the water is in sufficient
quantity the bilge pump will pump it out. Please be advised when the pump
shuts off any water left in the hose runs back into the bilge."

How many of you agree with this explanation?



If there is water in the bilge of a brand-new fiberglass boat of the
size you have, and it isn't rainwater or spray or something like that,
then there is a leak. And there should not be. You're being bull****ted.

Water in the Bilge
 

He is only correct from the point of a small amount of water can be found
based on any number of reasons from swimming, splashover, rain, etc....
However, if non of these are the reason and you ever have enough water for
the bilge to pump out - there is a problem.
The dealer has no way of finding the leak unless he is at the water.
Best you can do is to put the boat in the water and find the leak yourself.
Then depending on where it is, fix yourself or have the dealer fix once you
tell him where it is.

--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com



"Ernie" wrote in message
...
A few days ago I posted a message regarding water in my bilge's new 2003
Trophy and all who responded were unanimous in agreeing that was not
normal
and should be traced to the source so it could be remedied. Here is what
Ken Naff, the Regional Service Manager for Trophy boats said and I quote:

"With regard to water in the bilge, it is not uncommon and there will
likely
be some residual such as you experience. If the water is in sufficient
quantity the bilge pump will pump it out. Please be advised when the pump
shuts off any water left in the hose runs back into the bilge."

How many of you agree with this explanation?

Water in the Bilge
 

I read the other thread. It seems many people are jumping on the
"there should be no water" idea without asking some questions.

How much water are you talking about?

If you empty ALL water then let the boat just set in the water
(not in use and not raining) do you get more water in the bilge?

You say there is always water in the bilge. But it that while you're
using it (which could be from spray) or even when just setting.


Sounds to me like you need to determine if there is a leak or if the water
is possibly coming from spray or rain. Maybe get all the water out in
any way you can (sponge) and then let it set for some days when
it's not raining. ~~ Of course, some leaks may not manifest themselves
unless you are using the boat. Maybe you can use the boat in conditions
where you are careful not to get spray.

Also note, you could get check-valves for the bilge pump(s) so
most water in the bilge hose will not return to the bilge. Some people
have concerns about doing this because it cuts down the flow-rates
of the pump.

Most boats will not be 100% dry all the time. Some use, spray, rain, etc
will get in there. On the other hand you could have a leak. You need
to do some tests to find out what's going on.

Water in the Bilge
 

Pure bull****. There should be NO water in the bilge except
what gets in through spray or rain. True, the pump(s) will
leave an inch or two after they shut off. If you remove this
water, it should not return. If yours is a trailer boat,
there may be water in the forward hull sections that doesn't
drain out from the drain plug at the angle the boat's
sitting at on the trailer. Jack the nose *WAY* up to drain,
and check the limber holes between bulkheads to make sure
they're not clogged or glassed closed. Once your sure all
the water has been removed, it should not re-appear under
normal circumstances. Discounting the above mentioned stuff,
if it does, well, it leaks....
JR

Ernie wrote:

A few days ago I posted a message regarding water in my bilge's new 2003
Trophy and all who responded were unanimous in agreeing that was not normal
and should be traced to the source so it could be remedied. Here is what
Ken Naff, the Regional Service Manager for Trophy boats said and I quote:

"With regard to water in the bilge, it is not uncommon and there will likely
be some residual such as you experience. If the water is in sufficient
quantity the bilge pump will pump it out. Please be advised when the pump
shuts off any water left in the hose runs back into the bilge."

How many of you agree with this explanation?

--


--------------------------------------------------------------
Home Page: http://www.seanet.com/~jasonrnorth

Water in the Bilge
 

"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
...

Not necessarily, there is more than one way to skin a cat.... fill
the boat with a hose and look for the water to run out the "other"
way.... proximity to water not necessary.....you could do that in the
desert!

--



This seems fine for a little water in the bottom. But a hull isn't made to
take lots of water pressuse/weight from the inside. I don't know, but
it seems putting lots of water inside a hull would not be a good idea.

Anyone know for sure?

Water in the Bilge
 

There lies the problem. A lot of places that could be the leak will be
above the level you would want to fill the boat to.

--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com



"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 13 Apr 2004 22:00:56 -0400, "Gary Warner"
wrote:


"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
.. .

Not necessarily, there is more than one way to skin a cat.... fill
the boat with a hose and look for the water to run out the "other"
way.... proximity to water not necessary.....you could do that in the
desert!

--



This seems fine for a little water in the bottom. But a hull isn't made
to
take lots of water pressuse/weight from the inside. I don't know, but
it seems putting lots of water inside a hull would not be a good idea.

Anyone know for sure?


Yeah.... you don't want to put *a lot*. A hull is made for
compression, not tension...... (read with grain of salt if you are the
picky sort) so don't interpret my words as ... "fill-up." A couple of
feet or less on a well supported trailer or similar isn't going to
hurt... but don't get crazy.... you could split the hull open like a
dropped watermelon...

--



Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Southport, NC.

http://myworkshop.idleplay.net/cavern/
Homepage
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.com/directions.asp Where
Southport,NC is located.
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.linksysnet.com Real Time
Pictures at My Marina
http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats Rec.boats
at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide

Water in the Bilge
 

It is normal for there to be a little water in a boat bilge after you use
it. Is it ever enough to need the bilge pump? Aren't you the guy that has
been complaining about this boat for months now? Perhaps your expectations
are too high.

"Ernie" wrote in message
...
A few days ago I posted a message regarding water in my bilge's new 2003
Trophy and all who responded were unanimous in agreeing that was not
normal
and should be traced to the source so it could be remedied. Here is what
Ken Naff, the Regional Service Manager for Trophy boats said and I quote:

"With regard to water in the bilge, it is not uncommon and there will
likely
be some residual such as you experience. If the water is in sufficient
quantity the bilge pump will pump it out. Please be advised when the pump
shuts off any water left in the hose runs back into the bilge."

How many of you agree with this explanation?

Water in the Bilge
 

The explanation may be correct since I do not know how much water you are
collecting. I would suggest as someone else has said to dry with a sponge
and see if the water returns.

I looked up the boat on the internet. Seems like a nice boat. I not sure
but does the boat have any through hulls? It seems like there are bait
wells and ice chests that may leak and/or drain to the bilge. The thing I
would do is ID all the thru hulls on the outside and find them on the
inside. See if they are leaking. Use a water hose if on a trailer from the
outside to generate pressure on the thru hull.

Look at anything that contains water - bait wells, ice chests, fish boxes
etc. These may just drain into the bilge and be the source of water or they
may be leaking. If you have a water tank fill with water and look at the
fill hose and tank for leaks. Try to refill the next day to see if the
level has dropped.

If it is fresh water leaking and you use the boat on salt water then try
using food coloring in the various water containers one at a time. (I am
not sure I like the food coloring idea because it may stain the fiberglass
so I would try a little in a small spot first to test)


"Ernie" wrote in message
...
A few days ago I posted a message regarding water in my bilge's new 2003
Trophy and all who responded were unanimous in agreeing that was not
normal
and should be traced to the source so it could be remedied. Here is what
Ken Naff, the Regional Service Manager for Trophy boats said and I quote:

"With regard to water in the bilge, it is not uncommon and there will
likely
be some residual such as you experience. If the water is in sufficient
quantity the bilge pump will pump it out. Please be advised when the pump
shuts off any water left in the hose runs back into the bilge."

How many of you agree with this explanation?

Water in the Bilge
 

"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:zE0fc.31738$_K3.130511@attbi_s53...

The dealer has no way of finding the leak unless he is at the water.

I've been checking hull leaks for years, by filling them with water, then
observing from dry dock.

--
-Netsock

"It's just about going fast...that's all..."
http://home.insight.rr.com/cgreen/

Water in the Bilge
 

"JR North" wrote in message
...
Pure bull****. There should be NO water in the bilge except
what gets in through spray or rain.

Not true.

Many inboards have specs that the shaft packing should have an occasional
drip.

--
-Netsock

"It's just about going fast...that's all..."
http://home.insight.rr.com/cgreen/

Water in the Bilge
 

I think the manufacturer is giving you a perfectly correct answer.

What isn't being said ( by you or he ) is what amount of water is there...
and how much is "normal". No bilge pump can pump the last drop out. The real
question is "How much" and "how" did it get there?

If you launch the boat totally dried out, just let it float at the dock, and
then see water in the bilge ten minutes later...you've got a leak. It might
be, as some have pointed out, a "normal" trickle from I/O bellows. I had a
sailboat that had a "normal" leak from the packing glands when the engine
was running.

If you launch dry, check for no water and it is still dry...and then run the
boat at a moderate speed..and you've got water..you've got a leak.

If you have to run the boat full speed and now see some water, it might be
spray???

Only you can answer those questions.

Try experimenting until you find exactly the situation where-upon she takes
on water.

I, for one, would like to hear a follow-up after you've done all of that.
regards,
RichG
http://groups.msn.com/CarolinaSkiffOwners

Water in the Bilge
 

Didn't read the original post, sorry. Without knowing how much water were
talking about, the explanation you are given is accurate for residual
waters from rain, condensation, or use.

If your really concerned, take the boat out of the water for a few days,
store under some sort of shelter/cover with the bow up to allow all the
water out. Relaunch and examine the bilge for incomming water. Be
forwarned even siting overnight you might accumulate some minimal water
(eg a few spongefuls) in the bilge just from condensation.

If you just launched the boat, didn't run the boat past idle speed, it's a
dry day, and you've noted water in the bilge, you may have a problem.
Take the boat back to the dealer and bitch until they check it out, and
don't take the boat back until your satisfied the problem is corrected.


In article , "Ernie"
wrote:

A few days ago I posted a message regarding water in my bilge's new 2003
Trophy and all who responded were unanimous in agreeing that was not normal
and should be traced to the source so it could be remedied. Here is what
Ken Naff, the Regional Service Manager for Trophy boats said and I quote:

"With regard to water in the bilge, it is not uncommon and there will likely
be some residual such as you experience. If the water is in sufficient
quantity the bilge pump will pump it out. Please be advised when the pump
shuts off any water left in the hose runs back into the bilge."

How many of you agree with this explanation?

Water in the Bilge
 

In article zE0fc.31738$_K3.130511@attbi_s53, "Tony Thomas"
writes:

He is only correct from the point of a small amount of water can be found
based on any number of reasons from swimming, splashover, rain, etc....
However, if non of these are the reason and you ever have enough water for
the bilge to pump out - there is a problem.
The dealer has no way of finding the leak unless he is at the water.

Well, he could put some water inside the boat and look for it leaking out.





Frank Bell
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A. Top Posting.

Q. What's the most annoying thing on Usenet?

Water in the Bilge
 

All four boats I have owned have had wet bilges. (Your later message thread
suggests that you have a problem, but in general...)

I know of people with dry bilges, and they sponge them out once in a while
after which they stay dry for a long time, even with a slow drip from a
packing gland.

Not so mine. The problem can be several things, but rainwater has been my
big one. I am on a gradual campaign to rebed all sorts of fittings, etc., in
my present boat, but in one of the boats a basic design flaw allowed litres
of rain water to wash into the the bilge from the cockpit, so it was
virtually impossible to keep ahead of. (Bilge water stayed quite fresh, as
long it rained once in a while!) It made the bilges very humid, of course,
but much improved once I recognized it and added extra ventilation (very
small, very simple, dried the bulkheads right out).

The important thing is that a boat isn't leaking from below. Unless it's
wood, in which case it might have to swell up a bit after being launched,
but basically, a leak below or near the wateline isn't going to get better.
That has to be found and fixed.

My boat stays bone dry until it rains, and then emptying the bilges is a
long, dirty job that only lasts until the next rain - so I don't.

====

Charles T. Low
- remove "UN"
www.boatdocking.com/BDPhoto.html - Photo Contest
www.boatdocking.com
www.ctlow.ca/Trojan26 - my boat

====

"Ernie" wrote in message
...
A few days ago I posted a message regarding water in my bilge's new 2003
Trophy and all who responded were unanimous in agreeing that was not
normal
and should be traced to the source so it could be remedied. Here is what
Ken Naff, the Regional Service Manager for Trophy boats said and I quote:

"With regard to water in the bilge, it is not uncommon and there will
likely
be some residual such as you experience. If the water is in sufficient
quantity the bilge pump will pump it out. Please be advised when the pump
shuts off any water left in the hose runs back into the bilge."

How many of you agree with this explanation?

Water in the Bilge
 

"Netsock" wrote in news:c5j7rj$s5r$1
@charm.magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu:

"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:zE0fc.31738$_K3.130511@attbi_s53...

The dealer has no way of finding the leak unless he is at the water.

I've been checking hull leaks for years, by filling them with water, then
observing from dry dock.


You patch your hull leaks with water then check your work at drydock?

From the same fellow who "ploinks" posters with "double digit IQ's"?

Shut your pie hole Greenhalgh.

Water in the Bilge
 

"Joe S" wrote in message
...
"Netsock" wrote in news:c5j7rj$s5r$1
@charm.magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu:

"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:zE0fc.31738$_K3.130511@attbi_s53...

The dealer has no way of finding the leak unless he is at the water.

I've been checking hull leaks for years, by filling them with water,
then
observing from dry dock.


You patch your hull leaks with water then check your work at drydock?

No...I take the boat out of the water (dry dock), fill the hull, and look to
see where water comes out.


From the same fellow who "ploinks" posters with "double digit IQ's"?

Actually, I found it interesting that this method had to be explained to
you.


Shut your pie hole Greenhalgh.

Heh heh...what is your IQ Joe?

--
-Netsock

"It's just about going fast...that's all..."
http://home.insight.rr.com/cgreen/

Water in the Bilge
 

I'm the guy that posted the original message regarding water in the bilge
and filling it with water is exactly what Portland Yacht Services of
Portland, Maine will be doing this Friday weather permitting. Hopefully
they will find the lead and I will water free coming May 15, launch time.
Damn it's been a long winter.


"Netsock" wrote in message
...
"Joe S" wrote in message
...
"Netsock" wrote in news:c5j7rj$s5r$1
@charm.magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu:

"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:zE0fc.31738$_K3.130511@attbi_s53...

The dealer has no way of finding the leak unless he is at the water.

I've been checking hull leaks for years, by filling them with water,
then
observing from dry dock.


You patch your hull leaks with water then check your work at drydock?

No...I take the boat out of the water (dry dock), fill the hull, and look
to
see where water comes out.


From the same fellow who "ploinks" posters with "double digit IQ's"?

Actually, I found it interesting that this method had to be explained to
you.


Shut your pie hole Greenhalgh.

Heh heh...what is your IQ Joe?

--
-Netsock

"It's just about going fast...that's all..."
http://home.insight.rr.com/cgreen/

Water in the Bilge
 

"Ernie" wrote in message
...
I'm the guy that posted the original message regarding water in the bilge
and filling it with water is exactly what Portland Yacht Services of
Portland, Maine will be doing this Friday weather permitting. Hopefully
they will find the lead and I will water free coming May 15, launch time.
Damn it's been a long winter.

Yep. This is a very tried and true method, however, may not be applicable on
all boats.

Some boats freeboard, puts the deck under the water line...there's just so
much water you can fill the hull with. ;)

While I may have not explain myself perfectly, methinks Joe is a little
slow.

No harm tho...good luck in finding the leak, and let us know.

--
-Netsock

"It's just about going fast...that's all..."
http://home.insight.rr.com/cgreen/

Water in the Bilge
 

Ernie-I have noticed several people giving good advice-I have not noticed any
response from you, so maybe the problem is no more! However, since I have a
similar hull ('99 2052), have had similar tbls and I have also spoken with Mr.
Naff, you might want to email me if the problem is ongoing.
By the way, you have a damn good boat, don't get worried to death about small
stuff. ALL boats ALWAYS have something or other that needs attention. Perhaps
that's why we buy 'em.
Best wishes
Mike

Water in the Bilge
 

Mike,
Portland Yacht Services of Portland, Maine is in the process of addressing
my problems and once that's done I will let you know the results. Thirty
more days till launch time and counting.

"CaptMP" wrote in message
...
Ernie-I have noticed several people giving good advice-I have not noticed
any
response from you, so maybe the problem is no more! However, since I have
a
similar hull ('99 2052), have had similar tbls and I have also spoken
with Mr.
Naff, you might want to email me if the problem is ongoing.
By the way, you have a damn good boat, don't get worried to death about
small
stuff. ALL boats ALWAYS have something or other that needs attention.
Perhaps
that's why we buy 'em.
Best wishes
Mike