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serpentino
Starting Member
USA
3 Posts |
 Posted - 06/09/2008 : 09:58:02 AM
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Hi gang,
I have a 1986 Carver Mariner. I have about 1/2 inch of water in tyhe bilge constantly. I had mechanic take a look at all the thru hulls and V-drive stuffing boxes and he claims there are no leaks. The bilge pump never comes on when I am at the boat so it dosent seem like a constant leak. But weach time I show up at the marina there it is that 1/2 inch of water!!
Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions at where I should look or should I stop worrying about it?
Thanks
Peter
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sea bitt
Navigator
USA
64 Posts |
Posted - 06/09/2008 : 12:53:24 PM
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I have a similar problem and I’m still looking. Have you determined if it is fresh water from either fresh water system or rain water or waste water? Or is it the sea water or water from outside the hull. It could one of the first three if it doesn’t increase in volume at a steady pace. Had a problem with the fresh water system and would slowly fill the bilge with fresh water if the system had pressure. Normally turn off the 12v when I leave the boat but the fresh water system would discharge (drain) into the bilge until the pressure dropped. ½ inch in the bilge syndrome. Rain water could be another problem, but difficult to find because it could depend on rain amount, direction and force to get into the bilge. Sounds like the mechanic checked the normal stuff on the engines and drives and hull fittings. Could be a slow leak and the mechanic was looking for a more prominent leak with higher flow. Keep an eye on it because normally they do not go away but get worst.
Bruce
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Justus3
Navigator
Canada
76 Posts |
Posted - 06/22/2008 : 09:41:38 AM
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I have a similar situation. Of course the stuffing boxes normally drip a small amount of water into the bilge when the boat is underway but I have heard different opinions on whether that drip should occur when the boat is not in motion. I believe a leaky hull fitting is probably to blame.
Ron |
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carmariner86
Deck Hand
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2008 : 12:40:43 PM
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I have an '86 mariner too and I have the same problem. I really am not too concerned about it. I think it's mostly rain water. I notice after it rains and I go down to the boat there is more than usual and I have to use the pump to get rid of it. If it hasn't rained in a while, usually there is not much water. All my boats had a small amount of water in the bilge. It's normal to some extent.
Michael Aiello |
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Justus3
Navigator
Canada
76 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2008 : 10:46:42 PM
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Source located. A hose clamp on the fresh water line had loosened just enough to allow a steady drip.
I am amazed at how much oil and other gunk ends up in the bilge. I have taken to leaving an oil absorbing cloth in the bilge at all times and replacing it regularly. Is anyone aware of a problem with doing this?
Ron |
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Rockmeister
Administrator
USA
341 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2008 : 3:42:49 PM
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As long as you make sure there is NO way the absorbing cloth can possibly stop the bilge pump and/or bilge switch from working properly, the cloth should be fine.
I use Simple Green and clean the bilge thoroughly in the spring and fall.
And occasionally in the summer.
Keep it so clean that it makes it easy to fing a bolt, screw, washer etc. There type of things in the bilge indicate something loose that needs your attention.
I agree with what was said prior about rainwater, etc.
I have fixed all my drips and now get almost no water, unless it rains hard.
The scuppers do well at carrying most water, but if it rains hard they can and do overload and dump some of the water into the bilge.
Hope this helps!
79 28' Mariner twin inboard V-drive.
SW Lake Erie: Maumee Bay & The Islands |
Edited by - Rockmeister on 07/24/2008 3:49:06 PM |
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Water in the Bilge
