HELP.....Water leak

[lcmains1]

So I took the boat to the lake yesterday for the first time. The boat was still attached to the trailer backed down the ramp, I lifted the sun deck to get some air to start the engine and noticed water in the bilge (yes, the plug was in). It was bone dry before I put it in the water on the ramp. I didn't even start it as I knew we were not going anywhere. It was on the trailer in the water for about 10 minutes and I would guess that there was a 1/2 gallon of water in the bilge already.

I took it in this morning as I assumed it was a bellows issue, my mechanic said "never assume with a boat".... He inspected the bellows and said they look good, he didn't think that was my issue. I just put a new garboard plug in so I know thats not the issue. He thought it was possibly the gasket between the upper unit and the bell housing, he thought it may have gone bad. (seems like alot of water from that gasket)
1990 mercruiser alpha one.

OR, he is thinking that it may have been coming in from the back underneath where my swim platform is. He looked under the rub rail and thinks it may possibly coming in from there. It looks like there used to be caulk there but it has rotted and looks to need replaced. 89 Rinker Captiva 206

Can it leak like that through the rub rail? I didn't know that was possible.
I sure hope its not the transom seal.....

 

[Bondo]

Re: HELP.....Water leak

Can it leak like that through the rub rail?

Ayuh,... Was it Underwater,..??

If not, that ain't it...

At 20-odd years old, it could be a rotten transom...

 

[Don S]

Re: HELP.....Water leak

The ONLY why to find a leak, is to put it in the water and look. You could spend thousands fixing things that aren't broke.
Who knows, if your boat was a little bow down sitting in your driveway, it may have had some rain water that went forward under the fuel tank or something. Then, when you have it really bow high on the ramp, that water heads for the back.

 

[lcmains1]

Re: HELP.....Water leak

I know it was not water from the bow, I had the boat on the ramp when I put the plug in so it would have rushed out then.
I do not know if the rub rail was out of the water or not, I cant remember.

How do you check for a rotten transom? Can I simply spray water from a hose at the back of it and see if it leaks like that??

Thanks guys, hope this thing is not junk

 

[90stingray]

Re: HELP.....Water leak

It's best to pull seats, motor covers, whatever you can... get a flashlight and mirror then back her in the water. Get your head right down in there behind the motor and look around. Don't be shy... get in there! Like stated earlier... you will never find what you are looking for unless submerged.

 

[madurodave]

Re: HELP.....Water leak

fill the bilge with water, not too high and jack the front up or park on a hill. See where it's draining from behind the boat.

 

[lcmains1]

Re: HELP.....Water leak

How much could the garboard plug seal leak? I looked at it again and don't think I got a very good seal around it.... I would imagine that the pressure on the outside of the plug is quite a bit when strapped to the trailer and held under.

Think it would be enough to get about a quarter to a half gallon in 15 minutes if not sealed properly?

 

[dubs283]

Re: HELP.....Water leak

fill the bilge with water

never, ever intentionally put water into a bilge, its designed to keep water out - you run the risk of damaging too many components by doing this

you need to get your head down in the bilge when the boat is in the water, that is the ONLY way you are going to find the source of the leak

a gallon of water in 15 mins?? you will have PLENTY of time to find this leak before shes on the bottom

what kind of sealer did you use on the plug?? i use 3M 4200 and "schmooker" the heck out of it, clean up with laquer thinner

 

[lcmains1]

Re: HELP.....Water leak

so i took the garboard plug out and resealed it. I also resealed underneath the rub rail and also replaced the gasket that goes between the upper unit and the bell housing last night. Tonight I took it out to the lake and shoved it in the water. No more leaks, I was on the water for over an hour and when i pulled the plug only a couple cups of water came out.

I think I'm ready for boating season!!!