Troubleshooting water in cabin
 

On 11 May 2006 12:01:24 -0700, "Mike C" wrote:

I have a decent knowledge of the boat. I've had it 7 yrs. I have
eliminated everything internal. The only thing I can think that is
causing it is a crack. My question with that is that why is the water
only dampening the carpet and not accumulating? I guess it could be
high enough up rather than on the bottom.

I think the next step is probably (unfortunately) obvious- pulling boat
out. As I don't have a trailer and the closest dealer is 50 miles away,
it is a problem....

Try borrowing a trailer at a ramp for an hour. If it were me, I'd loan you
one in a heartbeat. I'd think most folks would.

Also, to help spot the leak, if it is there, you might put some food
coloring in the water inside the boat. That way you'll be able to spot it
when it comes out.
--
'Til next time,

John H

******************************************
***** Have a Spectacular Day! *****
******************************************

Troubleshooting water in cabin
 

RG wrote:

The OP claims to have eliminated all on-board systems as the source due to
draining all tanks. Maybe so, but onboard water systems would be highly
suspect, since the leak has appeared immediately after post-winterization
recommissioning.

If the onboard systems, like potable water tanks etc are all filled
using public water, you can test for chlorine using a very cheap test
kit from a pool supply store.
..

Troubleshooting water in cabin
 

Good idea...I will do that jsut to be sure I haven't missed something
before having to haul it out of the water.

Troubleshooting water in cabin
 

There is a normal water in the aft bilge. My blige compartments aren't
connected.


Your boat is a stern drive. The normal condition of the aft bilge should be
bone dry. Any water in the aft bilge is not normal.

Troubleshooting water in cabin
 

The bilge is working in there. Could be some water from my water system
problems and playing with that. The bilge doesn't kick in until there
is about 2" water in the center section fo the engine compartment.

Troubleshooting water in cabin
 

"Mike C" wrote in message
ups.com...
The bilge is working in there. Could be some water from my water system
problems and playing with that. The bilge doesn't kick in until there
is about 2" water in the center section fo the engine compartment.


First of all, what you're referring to is a bilge pump, not a bilge. The
bilge is the confined area below decks. The bilge pump is what removes the
water that shouldn't be there in the first place. You need to get beyond
the "could be" stage of this situation and start living in the hard reality
of it. As long as there is any standing water in either bilge, you will
never discover the source. A wet/dry shop vac will remove most of the water
that the bilge pump won't address. Dry rags will get the rest. You need to
get both bilge areas to a bone dry state and then watch diligently for water
intrusion. The operative word here is diligence, and it appears to be
lacking in your efforts so far.

But in all honesty, you really don't appear to possess the skill set that is
required to properly diagnose and resolve the problem. I believe your best
move at this point is to call in professional assistance.

Troubleshooting water in cabin
 

Well, though you were a little critical, at least it was constructive.
If I was an expert at this I obviously wouln't be asking for help on
the internet.

I vacuumed up the water in the engine compartment and the compartment
under the table in the cabin. The mid-ship bilge compartment was still
dry from last time. It turns out that the engine compartment and
forward compartment are connected. After getting that dry and watching
for new water, I vacuumed the carpet again. It stayed dry. Before, it
was wet again in 5 minutes. The water in the enigine compartment was
the problem.

The water got in there when my boat was dropped in the water. Since
they didn't winterize my boat, the A/C raw water strainer broke and
water entered the engine compartment until I saw it and shut the valve.
I thought the bilge would take care of it.

The fact that there was a good 1.5" of water in there concerns me a
little. The bilge is working, but doesn't kick in unitl the water is
pretty high. At what level should the bilge kick in? My guess is as
soon is there is any water.

Thanks everyone for the help. This was quite a relief not having to
have the boat pulled out of the water and looking at big repair $$$$.