Bilge condensation

[moondance5003]

Hi all,

Thanks to all who have anwsered so far my question about the choises
of stoves.

I have a second question about my bilge. I get about 2-3 gallons
of water per week in the bilge (without even running the motor). I
read in the manual that some codensation in the bilge is possible due
to the air flow sytem of the Vega. It's the same system that keeps
the vessel cooler than the outside temp. However, does this amount of
water build-up in the bilge seem OK? I live in south Texas and the
humidity can get high, but this seems to be alot of water due to
codensation.

Robert
SV 2955

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Robert

Cant see 2-3 gallons coming in through condensation.

1. Condensation - Unlikely due to the amount
2. Rain ingress - Can come in through bad windows, cockpit sole
seal, washboards etc
3. Stern-tube seal - If the control tube is worn then water can
still drip very quickly through the sterngland. Try putting the control
lever to full reverse or feathering and leave the Vega for a week and
see if this makes a difference. If it does then you have a worn control
tube or a worn sterngland (or both).
4. Below waterline leak - Taste the bilge water and see if it is
fresh or salt. Just a finger dipped in is enough to tell. Should be your
first test whenever you find water in a Vega
5. Fresh water tank - Leak in the fresh water tank. Check tank,
seals, pipes, tap diaphraghms etc.


Hope this helps


Steve Birch Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703

 

[emmajen5]

Robert,

Is it fresh or salt water? Some of it could be from your propeller
shaft stuffing box.

Garry
Vega 2427 "Raven"

 

[pjacobs55]

I had water accumulating in the bilge too. When I hauled I noticed water
seeping out from the fastenings for the lower gudgeon or keel shoe. I pulled
and rebedded these fastenings (easy job) and that stopped the leak.
Nicholas Walsh, Journeyman 1171.
111 Commercial Street
Portland Maine 04101
Tel. 207/772-2191
fax 207/774-3940

 

[moondance5003]

Thanks to all.

I'll get on it and check all of these areas as soon as I can.
Thanks again.

Robert
SV 2955

 

[pelagicasd]

Check the packing gland. It should leak a bit even if the engine is not
running. 2-3 gallons a week is a lot. The gland may need tightening or to be
repacked. Do you have an automatic bilge pump? Are you sure that you are
only getting 2-3 gallons a week. A counter on the bilge pump is a good plan
also. It can alert you to a new problem with incoming water. Walt

 

[elrond8177]

I have leaking around the packing gland as everyone
else does but I've found the leak almost stops
altogether if I shift the combi all the way to the
feathered position when sailing or when I'm in the
slip. How many Vega owners kill the engine and leave
it neutral at the end of the day??
John
Southern Comfort Too

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi All

As explained this is due to the wearing of the control tube. Mostly worn
in the forward run position so when you leave you Vega you should always
move the control to feathering or reverse position as these take the
least hammering.

Kind Regards

Steve Birch Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703 The Number One Southern
Comfort!