Taking on Water??

soreloser · #1 August 23rd, 2009, 01:50 AM

New to boating, own a 96 SEI174. After a day of skiiing and tubing etc, seems to be a lot of water run out of the boat with the plug pulled leaving the launch? Ran the bilge a few times, but must not be deep enough to pump out. What looks like litres, probably isn't. How much water should be in there anyway? Where would the water be coming from? Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

soreloser · #2 August 24th, 2009, 12:43 AM

Ok, so i filled the bilge with the garden hose today. A small trickle of water at the bottom the the drive where it meets the hull on both sides. Questions:
1-How serious is this?
2-Can I seal with a silicone type sealant? any risk?
3-If I was to have repaired, how bad is it?

Thanks for any help or answers.

gprince · #3 August 25th, 2009, 04:01 PM

Soreloser,

Seems like you should take it and get it repaired by a professional however, 3M makes a product called "5200 - Above / Below the water line sealant". If you can pinpoint the exact area like you have said, it might be worth a shot to see if you can seal it.

Good luck!

soreloser · #4 August 27th, 2009, 11:00 AM

Thanks, took it to the shop, motor and leg off, then seal up transom. Put it all back together. Tough first lesson to learn, but that's how it goes.

rokrau · #5 August 28th, 2009, 01:08 PM

Do you mind telling us about how much that set you back?
Or did you end up doing it yourself? I think I might have a similar issue on my 2001 180 SEI, allthough I haven't filled the bilge with water yet.

soreloser · #6 August 28th, 2009, 11:15 PM

Quote was for about 9hrs labour and the gasket....still in the shop, will let you know. I expect about $1000 + or -.

leoo24 · #7 August 29th, 2009, 12:03 PM

wow 1k! my mechanic charges at €35 the hour, at 10 hours that would only be €350, 1k seems a little steep

soreloser · #8 August 30th, 2009, 01:10 AM

Only 2 shops in town, shop rate is $90/hr. I haven't found a private mechanic yet as I am new to the boating community. Hope to find one soon.

leoo24 · #9 August 30th, 2009, 07:44 AM

wow, i wonder if boat mechanis are more expensive in general over there in the states? i'm in spain and "my mechanic" isn't a private guy, he's from a local boat dealer, a few here get up to €45 an hour but no more.

soreloser · #10 September 1st, 2009, 02:40 AM

In Canada, smaller town in British Columbia.