Slow leak in bilge, 1987 11 Meter Express

[themickeyd]

Over the last few months we have found our main engine room bilge collecting water from someplace. The water is slow rising requiring us to drain it every 2-3 months. I first thought it could be the shaft packings but they are dripless and the adsorbent pads aren't wet. So am I looking at a through hull leak? Any suggestions appreciated.

Ron McDonald
Puget Sound

[RWS]

are you sure its seawater and not rainwater finding a pathway into your bilge?

RWS

[P-Dogg]

are you sure its seawater and not rainwater finding a pathway into your bilge?

RWS

Vents will let in air AND water. Not knowing ur setup, ill add condensation.

And what do you mean its slowly rising, requiring you to drain it? Do the bilge pumps not handle it? You'll get better answers if you provide more info specific to your situation.

[themickeyd]

I'm not sure if it's sea water or rain, unfortunately the bilge isn't clean enough to take a sip to see. I took about 2 or so months to get to the point that we needed to empty it, and yes, I need to replace the bilge pump in this area. While there has always been some water in this bilge since I bought the boat, it has been increasing since the rainy season started so it may be coming in the vents. I have found trace amounts of water on the top of the gas tank and have thought it may be coming in via the cockpit.

[RWS]

Vents, possibly

more likely the deck hatches and caulked seams

Suggest you make the bilge pumps a priority

Most boats sink............................ at the dock

You likely have 3 bilge pumps on that boat, all set up to evacuate water from distinct areas

The earlier Internationals also featured BILGE ALARMS, tied to the horn - don't know if yours is so equipped

RWS

[themickeyd]

Thanks all for the input. The bilge pump is on the priority list already with the Mechanic coming to look at it as well as setting up the bilge filter at the same time. The other 2 pumps are working fine. I don't believe the bilge pumps have alarms on this boat.

[themickeyd]

Thanks all for the input. The bilge pump is on the priority list already with the Mechanic coming to look at it as well as setting up the bilge filter at the same time. The other 2 pumps are working fine. I don't believe the bilge pumps have alarms on this boat.

[davescarrs]

I once had some water collecting on my 10 meter. It was nose heavy and collected in the bow first. I found that the strut backing plate was letting some water in. The through hull bolts needed to be resealed.