Water getting in somewhere?

[Goldsmith44]

I am getting a little water in the boat and cannot find where it is coming from. I have used the boat three times and when I pull the plug 1-2 gallons of water comes out. I have not noticed the bilge coming on while using the boat. Boat and motor are 4 yrs old and hull is not damaged. After reading on this site I wonder if i have leaking bellows. It is a searay bowrider with 5.0 mpi/alpha 1 outdrive. Any help on how to go about finding the leak would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Water getting in somewhere?

1 or 2 gallons is quite a bit of water.It could be bellows,drain plug leaking or something on the engine. I have had one of the water drain petcocks leak before due to a little crud that got in them during a previous draining.
Check the manifold and block drains..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Water getting in somewhere?

Ayuh,........ There's Only 1 way to Find a Leak,.........

Arm yourself with a Good Light, A Mirror,+ Whatever Else it takes,........

And LOOK.........

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Water getting in somewhere?

If it is a Merc., look at the ring above the input shaft on the inner transom shield.......
There is a small hole there.....
If water is weeping from there your bellows is full of water & the problem must be addressed.......​

 

[Goldsmith44]

Re: Water getting in somewhere?

Ok, I will get after it this weekend. I was just hoping there were some known spots to check first. Sea Ray did not leave me much room to get behind the engine. I practically have to lay across the engine to see back there. Not fun with engine running.
Haut Medoc - It is a merc...I will look for the hole above drive shaft.

Thanks....Will report findings...

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Water getting in somewhere?

Not sure if i would lay across the engine while its running.Get your clothes caught in a belt and bad news! Be careful!

 

[Goldsmith44]

Re: Water getting in somewhere?

I also wanted to add that it looks like this boat was kept in the water for some time. I had to clean mineral deposits off the out drive and hull of the boat. The boat has only been in fresh water. Central texas lakes are known for high mineral content. Calcium i think (white chalky stuff). Can this cause the bellows to fail prematurely? Boat is barely 4 yrs old. Lives in my garage now.

thanks!