Water in the bilge

[Joshto]

Every time I remove my boat's drain plug, a bit of water comes out. It's always the same amount, like half an ounce or less. Regardless of the time I spend on the water, 30 min or 6 hours, it's always the same quantity.

I wonder if one of the below is starting to leak, but does it only when I drop the boat in the water (outdrive is all the way up)?

I guess if it was a hole in the hull or a leaking transom mount seal, water would keep coming in over time. Also, I wonder if it could be leaking through the gunwale trim.

I also check all water connections in the engine. Everything is dry. And water would also accumulate in the bilge over time if it was a leaky hose.

Any idea?

 

[Texasmark]

I think if a bellows is leaking you would have a volume proportional to time in the water. If in doubt about bellows condition, or if boat has been sitting for a long time, or its used but seldom if ever changed I'd be changing the bellows and If you take the outdrive off, greasing the CV joint on the horizontal drive shaft...assuming it has zerks.

 

[mike_i]

"half an ounce or less" If you don't see any leaks I would not worry about it.

 

[flashback]

Every time I remove my boat's drain plug, a bit of water comes out. It's always the same amount, like half an ounce or less.

That ain't nothin. you get that much just climbing back in the boat after a swim!

Any idea?

 

[airshot]

Could also be condensation if it is that small

 

[Joshto]

That ain't nothin. you get that much just climbing back in the boat after a swim!

The thing is, it happens even if no one gets in the boat after being in the water.

 

[Joshto]

Could also be condensation if it is that small

This would explain why it's always the same quantity, I guess...Once whatever is condensing gets to the condensation temp, it slows down dripping water

 

[Joshto]

I think if a bellows is leaking you would have a volume proportional to time in the water. If in doubt about bellows condition, or if boat has been sitting for a long time, or its used but seldom if ever changed I'd be changing the bellows and If you take the outdrive off, greasing the CV joint on the horizontal drive shaft...assuming it has zerks.

I boat regularly during the boating season. 3 or 4 times per month. I won't take the outdrive just yet....it isn't that much water for the hassle, but thanks for the advice. I grease all the zerks (outdrive/transom assembly and coupler) at least once at the beginning of the season.

 

[nola mike]

I boat regularly during the boating season. 3 or 4 times per month. I won't take the outdrive just yet....it isn't that much water for the hassle, but thanks for the advice. I grease all the zerks (outdrive/transom assembly and coupler) at least once at the beginning of the season.

Taking the drive off is regular maintenance, should be done yearly.

 

[crazy charlie]

Every time I remove my boat's drain plug, a bit of water comes out. It's always the same amount, like half an ounce or less.

Any idea?

 

[crazy charlie]

Really??? an entire 1/2 ounce of water?? I am gonna guess you are a first time boater.....just a guess.Keep better track of your ice cubes when having a beverage because you are apparently dropping one EVERY TIME....btw .you should taste it to make sure its water to play it safe.Charlie

 

[Joshto]

Really??? an entire 1/2 ounce of water?? I am gonna guess you are a first time boater.....just a guess.Keep better track of your ice cubes when having a beverage because you are apparently dropping one EVERY TIME....btw .you should taste it to make sure its water to play it safe.Charlie

It's an estimate. Maybe it's an ounce, but always the same amount. Funny that I mainly spend time cruising or anchoring near a beach; my friends or family don't go swimming, and we rarely have drinks on the boat lol. It must be condensation, as @airshot suggested.

 

[Beagleville]

Relax and don't worry about an ounce of water.

 

[harringtondav]

I have a 1 yr old boat. I always get some drainage from the bilge plug. ....as I did with my previous boat. Rain through the cover. Condensation. Splash from waves/wake, leaking raw water clamps/plugs, drainage from swimmers, etc.
Don't worry until it pees more than a quart for no good reason.