My Bildge always has water in it and the pump regularly pumps it out. Is this normal? I've had some friends at the marina tell my their bildge is always dry (other brands of boats). As a result of this water we are going to have to replace the flooring. The part of the flooring you lift up to gain access to the bildge has become so soft it is about to cave in when we step on it. Any suggestions or help?
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Mike Alge
Wet bilges
First of all Dan , wet bilges are not normal. This situation indicates a leak somewhere below the water line. Unless you are getting rain on a steady basis the only way water can come in is through things like through-hull fittings and stuffing boxes. Not even condensation would cause enough water to cycle your bilge pump on a steady basis. You will most likely need to haul-out and re-seal the through-hulls and maybe even the keel. The stuffing box should either be repacked or replaced with a PSS unit. Also while you have your boat out of the water have a survayor check the hull for delamination. Good luck
First of all Dan , wet bilges are not normal. This situation indicates a leak somewhere below the water line. Unless you are getting rain on a steady basis the only way water can come in is through things like through-hull fittings and stuffing boxes. Not even condensation would cause enough water to cycle your bilge pump on a steady basis. You will most likely need to haul-out and re-seal the through-hulls and maybe even the keel. The stuffing box should either be repacked or replaced with a PSS unit. Also while you have your boat out of the water have a survayor check the hull for delamination. Good luck
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Colin Campbell
Stuffing boxes leak!
Most stuffing boxes are designed to leak! You do not say how often your bildge pump runs, but as stuffing boxes do leak. The water that leaks through is intended to lubricate your stuffing box, you should check the archives to find out exactly how much should leak through.
Most stuffing boxes are designed to leak! You do not say how often your bildge pump runs, but as stuffing boxes do leak. The water that leaks through is intended to lubricate your stuffing box, you should check the archives to find out exactly how much should leak through.
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popalge
Wet bilges
Dan The stuffing box should leak about 1 to 2 drops per minite while the shaft is turning and shouldn't drip at all when the shaft is at rest. That is NOT enough water coming into your boat to soak your floor boards. You have other problems. Think about what will happen if your bilge pump quits on you while you are not there. You will have more than wet floor boards to deal with I'm sure.
Dan The stuffing box should leak about 1 to 2 drops per minite while the shaft is turning and shouldn't drip at all when the shaft is at rest. That is NOT enough water coming into your boat to soak your floor boards. You have other problems. Think about what will happen if your bilge pump quits on you while you are not there. You will have more than wet floor boards to deal with I'm sure.
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John McDaris
wet bilge
Dan I just had to rewire my bilge pump. The one wire for the atuomatic part of the pump came apart, is yours working on automatic? Does it fill up after we have had heavy rains, like last friday? If does you have laeks from somewhere other than your stuffing box. There are some articles in the archives that will be able help you we can talk about it next time I see you at the dock. Mine takes on very little water.
Dan I just had to rewire my bilge pump. The one wire for the atuomatic part of the pump came apart, is yours working on automatic? Does it fill up after we have had heavy rains, like last friday? If does you have laeks from somewhere other than your stuffing box. There are some articles in the archives that will be able help you we can talk about it next time I see you at the dock. Mine takes on very little water.
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Dan Yowell
Wet Bildg
Thanks for all the tips. I have suspected rain water leaking in and think it may be coming in at the stern somewhere, possibly around the toe rail. Time to buy some caulk. We are going to haul out this winter and will check all of the thru hulls etc. I'll also check the stuffing box again next weekend. It was ok the last time I checked. John, I didn't get a chance to ask how it went yesterday with the reefing. Anne said you clicked off some pretty impressive numbers. Congrats!!
Thanks for all the tips. I have suspected rain water leaking in and think it may be coming in at the stern somewhere, possibly around the toe rail. Time to buy some caulk. We are going to haul out this winter and will check all of the thru hulls etc. I'll also check the stuffing box again next weekend. It was ok the last time I checked. John, I didn't get a chance to ask how it went yesterday with the reefing. Anne said you clicked off some pretty impressive numbers. Congrats!!
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Bryan C.
Rubbery sole?
Dan, even with a leak, your sole should not be getting wet; your pump should trigger on before water reaches the sole.
Dan, even with a leak, your sole should not be getting wet; your pump should trigger on before water reaches the sole.
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Perry Mullinix
See my posting Manufacture defect!
Do I know the problem? You bet I do and I have the repair bills to prove it. Please see the article I wrote about the Latent Manufacturing Defect. Created a hole in the hull about the size of a quarter. Water leaches in fills the baffles over spills into the bilge the pump kicks on about every 20 minutes pumps out a liter or liter and a half.... Get her hauled and soon. Don't forget to tell the yard when they repair the hole to drain the water inside the baffles first. When the biologics in salt water die the boat will smell like the head blew up. Good luck and if you need any help getting aid from insurance call me. I have a full survey photos and all. Perry Mullinix 925-989-6015
Do I know the problem? You bet I do and I have the repair bills to prove it. Please see the article I wrote about the Latent Manufacturing Defect. Created a hole in the hull about the size of a quarter. Water leaches in fills the baffles over spills into the bilge the pump kicks on about every 20 minutes pumps out a liter or liter and a half.... Get her hauled and soon. Don't forget to tell the yard when they repair the hole to drain the water inside the baffles first. When the biologics in salt water die the boat will smell like the head blew up. Good luck and if you need any help getting aid from insurance call me. I have a full survey photos and all. Perry Mullinix 925-989-6015
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