Wet Storage

[Pete]

Just recently purchased an '88 Hunter 33.5. The bilge constantly has water in it, emptying every couple hours and I have a small, but constat bit of water where the intake hose for the 18hp Yanmar meets the Hull. Even with the engine not being turned on for over two weeks now.I was planning on wet storing the boat this winter for many reasons, cost certainly one of them. Am I foolish to even consider this based on the apparent slow leak I have?I'm staying in an inlet off Long Island Sound - no fresh water source.Thanks in advance for any suggestions/advice.

 

[joe newman]

pull it.

if your raw water intake is leaking i would have the boat pulled. it is the only way your going to fix it. i turn my raw water intake valve off whenever i leave the boat so i look at it often. You could do other things while it is out of the water, ie.:fix your current problem, do the bottom job deal, clean your prop and shaft and change out your stuffing. it will give you peace of mind not having to worry if your boat is going to be sitting on the bottom the next time you go to check on her

 

[Steve Dion]

Packing is leaking!

Pete:The packing is leaking. You can try tightening it up. It should NOT leaking when the shaft is not turning. It should only drip 2-5 drips/ min. when the shaft is turning.You may want to consider a dripless packing when you next haul out.

 

[Pete]

Thank you

Thanks for the advice. Yes, the Stuffing Box should probably be re-packed and it will give me some time to work on other areas as well.Appreciate the input. Having it pulled Monday.

 

[Jim Wolfe]

Dripless packing gland

On a boat that age, you'll probably need to replace the shaft if you go with a dripless packing gland. Any wear at all on the shaft will probably not allow the packing gland to seal.

 

[Robert]

Change Valve While boat is in H20

It does sound like the valve is bad. I broke the handle off of my raw water intake valve and noticed a steady leak. I hired a diver to seal off the through-hull while I replaced the valve. It saved me the expense of hauling out the boat.I was surveying a 35.5 in Houston and the perspective buyer was concerned of a constant dribble of water into the bilge. I had to show him that it's not a leak but condensation from the A/C evaporator. In Houston the A/C is always on.