Water in Bilge after Winter Layup

[Pete]

Popped open the bilge today to give it a spring cleaning, found a good 5-inches of water...the boat was hauled last November. Pumped it dry myself about 2 weeks after. So apparently I have a leak somewhere from the rain. My biggest concern - I didn't check this after pumping it dry last November. What should I be looking for re: ice damage? No idea when it arrived and/or how long it was there.Thanks.

 

[Don]

Likely a mast leak

if you had the rig up and covered. Lots of folks put a gallon of antifreeze in the bilge just in case.If the bilge pump works, there shouldn't be any (other) damage Pete. The ice has plenty of room for expansion in the bilge - typically only causes breakage in a confined space (like the pump housing but that too should be fine).I spent a while working in Lordship - great place.Don

 

[PHitchcox]

Not the hot water heater....

Last year, I had a major senior moment and forgot to empty the hot water tank; the bilge was relatively dry until to spring, when suddenly it filled with several inches of water. Gee, where did that come from?The water froze and broke open the hot water tank; thankfully, a very good craftman was able to weld it back together and I was good to go.Of course that's not what happened to you, but thought I'd share the story....Paul

 

[Pete]

Water Heater thoughts

I did not drain the water heater either - rather ran anti-freeze through the entire system, hot water faucet running open as well.Interestingly enough, I did have a little pink stuff in a half-liter soda bottle placed under the pressure relief this spring. No other indication of leaking or breaking I can see.Don boat was covered, stick up, that might just be it. Thanks.

 

[Waffle]

Here is the deal

If the ice froze, and I would think it did, the keel boats may leak now! The bilge water can now migrate into the keel void. Next winter the water, if left in the keel, will freeze and crack the keel. If this is the fact you'll see water leaking from your keel in the spring. Next time leave antifreeze in your bilge.