Slow Leak

[FreeBeeTony]

I have noticed what I believe is a slow leak. I keep the boat ('78 20' Grady White Gulfstream I/O) in the water at the local docks. I only use it on w/e but usually check on the boat a few times during the week. When I go down to the boat, I open the engine compartment cover and usually find a little water in the bilge, not even enough to turn on the pump with the float switch. I pump out what the pump will and leave. I don't think it's the bellows, they looked fine before I dropped the boat into the water. I just bought the boat last year, this is the first year I am leaving it in the water, last year I trailered. Is this little bit of water something I should worry about?

 

[Catchem]

Re: Slow Leak

Nope.Sounds like condensation.Quite normal for any boat sitting in water to have condensation.<br />Warm air+ cool water = condensation

 

[Osprey]

Re: Slow Leak

Does your boat have plastic thru-hull fittings? I have a post on this list from June 26th about how my newly purchased 1995 Grady White 208 had leaks due to cracks in what had become very brittle thru-hull fittings. I replaced all of them with stainless steel and no more leaks.

 

[MFG197]

Re: Slow Leak

Don't rule out rain water entering. It finds its way in anywhere. if you are docked in salt or brackish water the answer would be really easy...

 

[Osprey]

Re: Slow Leak

I have discovered that my 95 Grady White 208 continues to have some minor leaking as you described. After replacing all thru-hulls the issue is much improved, but still have some unexplained water in the boat after a day on the water. I plan to pull the fuel tank deck cover and check all hoses and fittings for the after market bait system. Also may try pulling all access covers and have a friend run the boat while I search for leaks. Will post any results.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Slow Leak

a small cratch in the bottom will wick more water<br />than you may think. any scratches or chips below<br />water line?

 

[ThomWV]

Re: Slow Leak

Mine does the same thing, but while sitting on the trailer. Really, I'm not kidding. There will always be a couple of inches of water down in there, and mine isn't even an I/O. Part of the problem is that on most boat the aft end, where the bilge pump is, is not the lowest point in the hull. So you never get it all and new water comes from goodness knows where, but its always there.<br /><br />Thom

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: Slow Leak

I get it left on a trailer with a normal set of covers and a single winter cover. Assume its just rain working its way to the lowest point.