Water. Where might it be coming from.?????

[Frank A.]

I own a '92 H28. Have owned the boat for just about a year and have been very happy with it. It was a one-owner boat and maintained impeccably. I think I'm doing the same. But in the past week I've discovered both a unknown supply of water and a lack of it.The items:1. I have the Yanmar 18hp engine withabout 280hrs on it. Runs great, doesn't burn a drop of oil. But with engine running any more than 1/2hr, I'll find a small quantity of water (coolant water as it has a slight tinge of antifreeze mixed in) directly under the engine. I can't see any apparent leaks anywhere in hose connection, etc. Engine has never overheated but I'm just confused (and a tad concerned) as to where it could be coming from. Any suggestions as to where to start looking,.????Water found. While cleaning the boat last weekend, I discovered in each of the compartments under the cabin cushions about 1/2" of clear water. These compartments don't seem to have any access into them and is this merely condensation water, waterthat may be entering from rain, etc.????The boat very seldom ever has anything more than 1/2" of water in the bilge at any one time and otherwise the boat seems extremely sound.Suggestions.????Thanks in advance for any responses orsuggestions.

 

[Dakota Jim Russell]

Water under engine

One possibility is the overflow tank/tubing. I had to raise my overflow tank to prevent some of the water flowing out even though the overflow tank was not completely full. However, this usually did not occur while running the engine, but shortly after the engine was turned off. Anyhow, its an idea to consider.

 

[David Straub]

Water in storage areas

Had the same water showing up in the storage areas. My solution was to rebed the hatchs. Just the outside. Taking the entire unit out was of no benefit just a lot of time wasted. You will need to remove the plate on the outside, gentle prying should do it. Remove all the old sealant. Fill in all areas with 3m 4200 and replace the plate. Press into place, but not all the way down. Then fill in the edges and smooth out. You can wipe off the extra 4200 with mineral spirits. It will take a bit of time but the benefits will be dry storage!

 

[william berson]

anti-freeze

The 18hp yanmar in my 310 does the same thing, even when the tank is properly filled to just below the 'cold' mark. Eventually, after a long run, when heating up after a shutdown, the antifreeze will expand and overflow the tank and leave a telltale drip under the engine. I think it's worse if the boat has been heeling. After much observation and study, I've come to the conclusion that there is no leak and it's just that the tank is too small for the total volume of coolant when a water heater loop is installed. So.. no sweat... just be sure to check it every 10 operating hours or so and top off the tank properly with antifreeze mixture.

 

[Doug]

Perhaps another reason

You may notice several hoses that have coolant running through them. To header tank, to and from thermostat housing, etc. These hose clamps can become loose from the vibes. Check them all. Sometimes it's good to pull off and if hose looks bad at end, either replace or as a quick and temp fix cut to clean area and re-attach if hose is long enough. Note, you can get a hose kit from yanmar dealer with all hoses pre bent and ready to install. If your 260 hours are on the same hoses as new and are 8 years old, I would recommend replacement (more due to age than hours, of course). This took care of our leak.Doug

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

boats leak

I have comparable water leaks into the storage areas on my 29.5. I removed the teak slats above the settees and use a roller to squeeze accumulated water out of the foam headliner. I roll up towels and keep them in the port and starboard storage areas. One more is rolled up under the sink, just behind the door. These efforts slow or stop the flow into the bilge, which remains dry until a heavy rain (or a trip in which the ice melts from the icebox into the bilge). The upshot is that the bilge stays clean and dry, with no dreadful odor whatsoever from water mixing with oil and diesel. How does the water get in? Who knows, probably through the stanchion mounts or the window seals. Fact is, boats leak.