How much water in the blge is "normal"?

[Bushwacker]

Fred - here's one option to consider if you don't find the leak! Arid Bilge

[aldo]

Thank you both for the suggestions. Two good places to look, and I hadn't considered blocking the scuppers from the bottom.
I'd really like to figure out where it's coming from rather than keep pumping, though.
Just curious if you are running a drip less shaft or not on your inboard Tucker? My 1976 I've had for over 10 years and always noticed water. Just got a little nervous when I started to read bitsamonkey's story.

[Capt Chuck]

Fred
Way too much water in your bilge!!!!
The forward drain plug in the step up platform / fishbox has been the culprit in many situations. They are plastic and like to leak between the hull and the inner liner. I would start by replacing it. If it's not leaking now, it soon will

[MasterBaiter]

Fred.
No I don't have a dripless seal. I actually had to look one up just to see what it was. I have always been an Outboard guy and used to a dry bilge, so I was concerned with water the first few weeks I owned mine (bought it in Sept) but since the pump rarely comes on I have dismissed most of my concerns. If I remember right my thru hull for the fish box is brass or bronze. Either mine has been replaced or I haven't looked close enough. Unless you have a live well type setup I don't think running should cause more water if this is where it is leaking - but like I said I am a newbie to the SeaCraft crowd.

[aldo]

My forward drain is brass or bronze, but another point I will check by plugging from under water this spring. You guys have definitely given me good suggestions of where to look or how to eliminate some of the variables. Thanks again.

[1Step]

Chuck, how do you replace the forward drain fitting? I suspect my 18 might be leaking there as I get some water in my bilge as well.

[Capt Chuck]

Generaly what has happened with these thru hull fitting is time failure. The early years they used a brass ferrul tube then replaced with a plastic screw type fitting. Either one will take it's toll after years of hull flex and pounding.

I called Mike @ Wildfire and got some pointers.
Don't let all this "long how to post" crap below scare you. It's really no big deal.
First you need to take a screw driver or chisel and knockoff the outside lip and then from the inside of the piece you can crack it and drive it out. During construction they used some sort of bonding putty like on the baitwell to transom adheasive between the outer hull and inner liner. Over time this putty material breaks off in chunks leaving a gap that water now has a path to the bilge. Even the brass ones will lose their putty and sealant outside around the small flange. You can push on the hull outside next to the thru hull and sometimes see the space.

You need to refill this gap between the inner liner & hull again with some type of heavy putty before putting in your new thru hull fitting. It might take you a few layers at a time jammed in there to avoid the putty dripping or falling down within. Check all around to make sure the gap is filled 360* and cured.

The standard thru hull is approx 2.5" you need to get the extra long threaded 3" or larger with a large flare and screw down nut. I used Gemlux S/S brand. Do a sample measurement with the nut tightened in position and mark the threads flush with the outside of the nut. You will need to cut it before installing. It will take two people. One to hold the ouside flange steady while the other tightens the nut inside. Use 5200.

Note: The reason you need the putty built back up between the inner liner and outside hull is that when you tighten down the two they will be drawn together. You need to maintain the gap or future pounding and flex will open it up for water intrusion once again. Since replacing mine in '04, I keep an eye on it yearly looking for signs of weakening or sealing issues.

Good Luck


OUTSIDE



INSIDE with threads cut flush with nut

[1Step]

Thanks so much Chuck you really explained it perfect, and make it not so daunting a task
What type putty do you recommend?

[riprunner]

Fred, I have an inboard 23 as well and always have water in the bilge. My bilge kicks in occassionally but doesn't seem to go on as much as yours.

[aldo]

Thanks Riprunner. I guess I'm going to check the through hulls and maybe pull up the floor section (that comes out) while it's in the water this Spring. Sounds like I'm getting more than my normal share. Do you have any idea how much/often your shaft drips while at dock/running?