Is a little water in the bilge ok?

[Alwhite00]

I recently looked at a 97 250DA and checked out the bilge pretty good while in the driveway - I could not see all that great under the engine but it looked dry.

Went for a sea trial and after that I again looked in the bilge, at this point the bow was down a little lower than before. There was some water in the bilge, I would say less than a gallon. Is this normal?

I know on my last boat sometimes I would stay at the marina a couple days and nothing, Other days I would go out for the afternoon and there would be a quart.

Any comments?

LK

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Is a little water in the bilge ok?

Not normal.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Is a little water in the bilge ok?

It might be normal, but it's not good. If there's ANY water inside the boat there is a leak somewhere. Who wants a leaking boat?

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Is a little water in the bilge ok?

The water may have been there when you first checkedbut further back because the bow was higher. May just be rain water! Try another sea trial and see if the water level increases.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Is a little water in the bilge ok?

Ask for another trial, stop on the ramp just before trailer goes in the water with boat at an angle and drain the bilge, then put plug back in and do the trial, then stop at top of boat ramp with boat at an angle and take out the plug and see what happens. If water comes out feel it to see if it is cold or warm, that is a clue as to where it may be coming from. Also note how much.

Note water conditions, lots of chop or spray as the boat moves thru the water will be worth remembering if a lot of water comes out.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Is a little water in the bilge ok?

My boat has water in the bilge, due to the fact that the pumps won't flush the last inch or so of it.

Where did you see the water after your trip? Was it in the engine room, or a forward bilge area?

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Is a little water in the bilge ok?

In the engine - The bow was down more as it was hooked up to the truck so I don't know if I missed it being it would have been under the engine when tipped back if it was in there.

LK

 

[partskenn]

Re: Is a little water in the bilge ok?

My boat has water in the bilge, due to the fact that the pumps won't flush the last inch or so of it.

Where did you see the water after your trip? Was it in the engine room, or a forward bilge area?

Likewise. I don't really like it much, but my bilge pump will not remove the last 1/2 inch of water from my bilge either.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Is a little water in the bilge ok?

Likewise. I don't really like it much, but my bilge pump will not remove the last 1/2 inch of water from my bilge either.

That's probably true of most pumps. Use a sponge to get the last drops. Water in the bilge is never a good idea.