Water in hull

[stoney]

I am a new owner on his first season with a 1971 23 CC.
I pulled the boat this weekend to change a speed temp sender. I pulled the center screw in plug, tilted the trailer back and lots of water came out. I have two bilge pumps alongside the "livewell". Is there a place to put a pump to keep the area where this water accumulates dry? Where does this water accumulate?

[Capt Chuck]

Stoney

The water is more likely than not, holding under the fuel tank in the bilge. Your boat being level while at rest in the water does not allow this amount to flow aft to be pumped out by your pumps The water is either coming in from the forward drain holes in the floor deck hold in front of the console or the thru hull in the fish box. Until you can get your bow up while running, while your boat is in the water most of this water can be expelled by one or more persons standing at the back of the boat. The excess weight will help flow the water aft

Generally there is a small space between the front of the fuel tank and the back wall of the forward deck hold. I was able to cut through this wall and install a 15-gallon fresh water tank. I then installed a watertight hatch in the cut out space. You possibly could do the same and install a pump in that space

Just a note of caution, I hope the underside of the wood shelf that supports your fuel tank has been glassed or the excess water accumulating in the bilge area could cause you problems

[Scott]

Just a note of caution, I hope the underside of the wood shelf that supports your fuel tank has been glassed or the excess water accumulating in the bilge area could cause you problems

The underside of a fuel deck .... No fiberglass here