Water in the bilge

[Jim Rockford]

For the past two years, I have been getting small quantity of water in the bilge. My bilge pump dutifully puts it out every now and then. No, it is not the shaft. And, it does not seem to be a leak in the fresh water tank.I did the talcum powder test recommended by Hunter techs and observed that the water seems to be coming from the holes at the bottom of the bilge--one hole under the dinnette section of the bilge and the other under galley's sink section. These two holes, I believe, are connected to the keel. Thus, the question, is it possible for the keel to be the responsible agent? The boat had to be towed from the mast, at almost 45 degree angle, on its port side two yrs ago when it grounded badly in mud. Any thoughts? If not the keel, what else?

 

[Jim Rushing]

Sounds like the water

is between the hull and the liner. You can have leaks in just about anywhere in the boat and if it gets under the liner, it will show up as coming out of the holes in the side of the hull ribs. I wish that I could be more clear, but if you have a crack in the keel area, it will not be a slight leak. I feel that the water pressure that far down will force the water in quickly.