Water in bilge

[redneck joe]

Nice AI cut-n-paste there

Just a bot testing the defences

 

[Captain Caveman]

Hi,
when I go boating for a week end, sleeping at anchor, and take the boat out, there is about 2 gallon of water draining from the plug at the boat ramp.

When anchored, I checked in the bilge, and the only signs of water intrusion I saw was a drop every 20 seconds from under the steering arm, and the same under the exhaust, from a small hole in a bracket.

I don't think that little leak would fill the bilge that much.

I did a quick internet search, and this is the AI response for how fast a water drip can accumulate:

• Typical drip: A faucet dripping at a rate of 10 drips per minute wastes about one gallon per day, which adds up to nearly 30 gallons per month.

So you have two known leaks, each dripping once every 20 seconds or the other way of thinking of it is essentially one drip every 10 seconds. To translate to above you have 6 drips per minute (assuming that your drip assessment is 100% accurate).

Since 10 drips per minute can add up to one gallon per day, and you are out for 48hrs, then it seems like your two drips might be the culprit. With two known leaks it would be reasonable to assume that you may have another.

Either way, I would start with fixing the two known leaks and seeing if you have any more issues. You can do the old reverse trick and use your garden hose to fill your bilge completely with water. You may be able to spot leaks going out easier than coming in.

 

[Grub54891]

You can do the old reverse trick and use your garden hose to fill your bilge completely with water. You may be able to spot leaks going out easier than coming in.
NO! Never do that. You will probably soak the starter and it’ll end up junk. And you will overload your trailer.

 

[redneck joe]

I know this setup is way diff than mine but I could not identify leak location(s) by filling up the boat. The sand silt and muck plugged the holes. Until I ripped the floor up and cleaned out no water dripped. Do it anyway just thought id chime in on my experience.

 

[Captain Caveman]

NO! Never do that. You will probably soak the starter and it’ll end up junk. And you will overload your trailer.

I suppose this is an I/O, so you're right.

 

[Scott Danforth]

No mater if the boat has an I/O or OB. Never fill the boat with water.

 

[bruceb58]

I just helped a friend who had a similar issue with his Volvo Penta. Once he yanked his boat I found the bellows had a 1/2" open crack in it. I could tell it had been changed at one point since the clamp was in the wrong position.

When was the last time you had your bellows replaced? You said it's old...define old. I change mine every 5-7 years or so.

Also, always store with the drive down. Much easier on the bellows and shift cable.