Taking on Water

[FishHog]

Fished Sat and Sun this weekend, but on Sunday, I was taking on water and bilge was kicking on every hr or so. So I trimed the drive right down, thinking probably just a hole in a bellows, and it significantly slowed the leak. Pulled the boat out of the water and will order a bellows kit today. But I was thinking that if a hole in the bellows will allow water into my bilge, then how come water (like rain water) in the bilge doesn't drain back into the bellows?

Maybe I'm overthinking this, but I was just contemplating it in bed last night. Quickly pulled the outdrive off this morning and there is a bit of water in the U-joint bellows, so I think its the one leaking. It was still a little dark to get a good look at the bellows for a tear, but its definitely looking like its time to replace. So I will replace all the rubber, but I'm just hoping thats going to solve my issue.

1988 Alpha One, in case your wondering.

FishHog

 

[ziggy]

Re: Taking on Water

then how come water (like rain water) in the bilge doesn't drain back into the bellows?

it will, if it gets deep enough........ most folks store the boat bow high, drain plug out. so any water that gets into the boat from rain, just washes on thru. hopefully...... or, if stored on the lake, auto bilge pumps are the ticket, a little water in the bilge and they turn on automaticly and empty it..... via a nicely charged up battery....
while yer doing bellows is a good time to do everything else too. shift cable, water hose. if ya had water intrusion into yer bellows, ya should probably consider replaceing the gimble brg., ujoints, and inspecting the ft. seal and yoke of the drive, these items don't like to be in water and can rust causeing ya grief later on....