stagnant water at bilge level underneath water tank

[Boumboum]

I am experiencing since I acquired my Beneteau 461 a recurrent problem of stagnant water at the bilge level underneath the starboard water tank right under the bench.The water does not seem to come from the hull, the propeller shaft,the through hull or any other part under the water line. The level of the water never go up to the point were it flows to the to the bilge pump area.When the boat is in the water I try frenetically to pump the water out manually but it seems that every time I think I successfully removed the water from the bilge the area is refilled after few minutes and after, let say 1 hour, the water level comes right back to the point it was before. It is important to note that this problem is existing even when the boat is lying on its cradle. It seems that the water might come somewhere from the deck and would be rain water but there is nothing that can indicate were the water come from. If anyone has experience this situation before or has a clue that could help us find the solution we would really appreciate because it's becoming an obsession

 

[Jeff Rappaport]

Similar problem on a Beneteau 36cc

I have a very similar problem which I discovered this spring. Normally the boat is very dry with the exception of water just in the bilge however I did discover that there is water in between the outer hull and the interior hull. I think it came from rain water while out of the water. At the stern there is a set of 2 stairs from the swim platform. There are 6 screws keeping it in place. I removed them and recaulked the holes before replacing the screws. I hope that solves the problem. I am thinking of installing an automatic bilge pump in the inner hull compartment just aft of the bilge compartment because that seems to be where the inner hull water is coming from. I spoke with Ward at the factory and he could not come up with much. All of the inner hull compartments on my boat are not connected to each other and the bilge. Many of them are isolated so that water never reachs the bilge.

 

[Phil]

Pinhole leaks in you water lines?

'98 and '99 had an issue with the water lines. If I recall, they were of a hard plastic. The guess was when they pulled them through the boat during install, they developed small pinholes. I eventually replaced all my water lines and I tighten the clamps each year. Try turning off your water pump, relieve the pressure and see if the water continues to accumulate. Could also be as simple as overfilling the water tanks - that cap on top isn't real water tight.