water between floor and hull

[Tom Novick]

I just took my 91 MacGregor 26 out of a four year retirement for a week worth of sailing in the San Juan Islands. When I got back home I noticed an inch to an inch and a half of water between the hull and the cabin floor. Is this normal, or should I be looking for leaks in the hull? Do other folks have bilge pumps in Mac 26's? Would that solve the problem? Thanks.

 

[R.W. Landau]

Could be alot of things

It could be as simple as bad seal at the hull to deck joint or some deck fittings that took on some water during some nose dives...I think you will have to determine where the water came from.good luckr.w.landau

 

[Jack]

Fresh Water

If the boat has been outside for 4 years it probably an accumulation of snow and rain water. If you sail in saltwater, and the water in the bilge is fresh, then that is your problem. If it is salty then you need to look below the water line. 4 years is a long time for a boat to sit and the smallest of leaks can eventually add up.