1988 Bayliner Capri bow rider omc 5.0 with omc cobra out drive taking on water

[Sprskte]

I have a 1988 omc cobra taking on water. My father Inlaw says it is bellows and I really think it is transom seal. I filled the hull with water and I get leaking from underneath where transom meets boat. And when boat is in water it leaks from where the inside transom plate is at the bottom where there is a hole in plate. I have attached video of leak on a link and I have a video when I got home and filled hull with water

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard.

first, never a good idea to fill your boat up with water, it adds way too much stress to the trailer, and secondly, it gets water in places water should not be.

your boat is 28 years old. be prepared for bad news, hope for good news.

99% of the time on old mid 80's bayliners, the leak is not a seal, and not a bellows. start by putting your hand on the transom shield and the transom. have someone stand on the outdrive and bounce up and down on it. if you feel movement between the hull and transom shield, you most likely have a soft transom.

I would also perform a few test drills into the transom core (from the inside) about 3" up from the keel. if you get clean, light, dry shavings, your good. however if you get dark, wet shavings, you have a wet and rotting transom.

 

[Bondo]

My father Inlaw says it is bellows and I really think it is transom seal.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... Pull the drive, 'n inspect the bellows,...

If ya don't find a hole, pull the motor, then the transom assembly to fix the rotten transom,.....

 

[Sprskte]

It is obviously fiberglass outside. I see only fiberglass inside. Is there wood in between?

 

[Sprskte]

Sorry new to boating.. What is the keel? Where would I drill? And how far in? From inside or outside?

 

[Scott Danforth]

drill from the inside. your transom is about 1/4" of fiberglass on the outside, then 1-1/2" of wood (in the middle), then the inside skin about 1/4" thick - the transom plate on the outdrive needs between 2" and 2-1/4" thick of transom.

only need to drill in past the first skin, into the wood. drill about 3" up from the hull, near the transom shield.

if you get dry shavings, seal back up with 3M 5200. however bet that water starts weeping out the hole.

 

[Bulbash]

Looks like you need a new transom