I have just purchased a Morgan Sloop 30'. This is my first boat although I have been sailing with friends for the past 2 years. I had the boat inspected and the only fault was the grey water pump. However, my wife and I have been out sailing and we switched the bilge pump on and all this dirty smelly water came up onto the deck so we switched the pump off again. Every now and again the water seems to just appear on the deck giving off a foul smell. Can anyone tell us the proper way to get rid of this foul smelling water and how to clean out the area where the water accumulates. Also the tank in the V-birth has water in but every now and again there seems to be water under the cushions, it seems to be clear water, we had the boat inspected but it never said anything about a leak in the water tank. I would be grateful if someone could help us out on one or both issues. Many thanks Gary
Bilge water
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bilge problem
Gary, first I would wonder why the pump out pumps the bilge water on to your deck and not out the back or side of your boat??? As for the water under the seats have you checked to see if your chainplates are leaking, sounds weird that your water tank would be higher then your seats to leak out Greg
Gary, first I would wonder why the pump out pumps the bilge water on to your deck and not out the back or side of your boat??? As for the water under the seats have you checked to see if your chainplates are leaking, sounds weird that your water tank would be higher then your seats to leak out Greg
Anchor locker leak?
I'm not familiar with the Morgans specifically, but a common problem with other boats seems to be a leak in the anchor locker. Many anchor lockers have a drain tube at the front, which runs through the hull to exit at the bow. This tube needs to be sealed properly to the anchor locker; if this seal is bad / loose, rain water that gets into the locker may run AROUND the tube (instead of through it) and drip into the forward part of the v-berth area. Depending on the design of the hull liner, it can then run down to the "floor" of the v-berth, under the cushions. (I don't know what this "floor" is officially called...) Hope this makes some sense. Anyway, if you have an anchor locker, check that it's drain tube is clear and correctly sealed. Jack
I'm not familiar with the Morgans specifically, but a common problem with other boats seems to be a leak in the anchor locker. Many anchor lockers have a drain tube at the front, which runs through the hull to exit at the bow. This tube needs to be sealed properly to the anchor locker; if this seal is bad / loose, rain water that gets into the locker may run AROUND the tube (instead of through it) and drip into the forward part of the v-berth area. Depending on the design of the hull liner, it can then run down to the "floor" of the v-berth, under the cushions. (I don't know what this "floor" is officially called...) Hope this makes some sense. Anyway, if you have an anchor locker, check that it's drain tube is clear and correctly sealed. Jack
Hi, I also have a Morgan 30, 1968. Its my third Morgan 22, 24 and now 30. Without looking at the boat its hard to tell. The water under the V berth may be because of a bad seal on the hatch above the V birth or one of the portholes that are on either side of it. I can't fathom a bilge pump pumping water on the deck. The discharge hose on the pump should go out thru a overboard discharge hull fitting.
Gary: If your M30 is anything like our M28OI, then you may have the freshwater tank vent opening just under the berth. You should be able to remove the plywood tank cover and see the vent and fill lines right on top of the tank. Of course, with such an old boat, it IS possible the tank itself is cracked somewhere. AS for the bilge water, is it possible that the PO hooked the bilge pump AND the cockpit drains together with a "T" fitting? Then, if the thru-hull fitting were clogged, the bilge water would shoot out all over the cockpit instead of going overboard. Since your so close, why not contact me off-list? I'd be happy to drop by and check it over with you! (jamaroldo@comcast.net) *pop Jim Ocean Gate, NJ
Where does the foul water appear on deck? Is it forward near the front of the deck house? I'm wondering if the "bilge pump" is not really the macerator pump attempting to pump out the holding tank thru the deck fitting. Bilge pumps usually have their outlet plumbed out the side of the boat near the transom or out the transom itself. Occasionally someone will plumb one out into the cockpit which should be corrected to overboard. The bilge sump on a M30 can be accessed at the aft or back end of the access opening in the center of the cabin sole. The sole is what you would call a floor in a house. There is a long skinny panel in the sole that lifts up to expose the centerboard mechanism and perhaps the bilge pump down in the deep hole at the aft end of this area. You can buy bilge cleaners and deoderants at marine supply stores. It is usually concentrated and a little goes a long way. Try adding cleaner a few ounces at a time then adding 5 or 10 gallons of water with a garden hose under pressure to break up sludge on the bilge sides and bottom. You could use Joy or some other liquid detergent but this isn't legal if there is any oil in the bilge water to start with. In my opinion it is better to use biodegradable cleaners made for this task. Turn off the bilge pump before adding the cleaner and water. Then let the bilge pump empty the bilge. Use the manual switch position to get the water level down as much as possible. Repeat several times at least, and maybe many times if necessary. After a time or three the bilge water coming out should appear clearer and won't smell but keep going. If the engine leaks or used to leak oil the sides and bottom of the bilge will remain greasy and this may smell some or retain previous odors. It takes effort but with a long handled brush you can scrub alot of it clean with a degreaser. Look under the aft part of the dinette under the cushion. Lift out the access panel found there. By removing the wood forming the bottom of this storage locker you can get to a large part of the port side bilge. The starboard side does not have as good access but you have to make do. Great boats these M30's. Dave Doolin 1969 M30 Angel's Wing hull #183
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