BOAT TAKES ON WATER

[LAURASDAD]

Hello,

I have a 97 Lowe Roughneck Alum bass boat.  Boat is in good condition.  However, it is taking on more water than I think it should.  I run the bilge pump every hour and it pumps out water every time.

What are the likely causes?  I try to put the plug in as tight as possible.  I don't know if that is the cause or if there is a crack in the hull.  There are no obvious holes but the water is coming in somewhere. 

I just don't know where to look.  thanks

Larry

[B-Dozer]

Hey Larry, I'm a kayak and canoe guy, but try this. Put your boat on the trailer, leave or add some water in it. Watch for wet spots. Is your boat a riveted aluminum or welded? Either way it's most likely leaking at some joint. You also might see some damage you can't see in the water. Good opportunity to clean it real good anyway. Good luck.

[slonezp]

Does the boat have a livewell? Could be a hole in the fill or drain tubing.

[cart7t]

Plug off any drain and input lines to the livewell then fill it completely up.  If you've got a cracked water line or bad fitting it should show up that way.  That's a very common problem with bass boats.

If that's not the cause, put the drain plug in and begin filling the hull with water.  If you've got a crack or leaky rivets they'll show up that way.  Another possibility is a leak coming in from around motor mounting bolts. 

Obviously..... the above tests should be done in your driveway and NOT on the water.   

[LAURASDAD]

Thanks for the responses.  Please note that I get water in the bilge even when I don't use the livewell.  Often, I'll plug the drain hole up and not use the livewell.  I still get water in the bilge.

Thanks again

Larry

[jbh3]

Thanks for the responses. Please note that I get water in the bilge even when I don't use the livewell. Often, I'll plug the drain hole up and not use the livewell. I still get water in the bilge.

The through-hull fittings and plastic hoses that service the livewell fill and drain are potential sources for your problem(s). A cracked pump housing is another potential leak. Proceed as  cart7 instructed above. Good luck!

Thanks again

Larry

[Al Wolbach]

When you plug the livewell, do you plug it in the livewell or at the hull drain?

[LAURASDAD]

I plug the livewell in the livewell.  There is a hole in the bottom of thelivewell that I plug.

thanks

Larry

[Wayne P.]

You livewell has at least two connections. One is the drain and the other is the pump/plumbing that puts water in it. Check the plumbing, and fittings, on both lines and check the pump itselt (the body of the pump may be cracked/loose).

[Al Wolbach]

You livewell has at least two connections. One is the drain and the other is the pump/plumbing that puts water in it. Check the plumbing, and fittings, on both lines and check the pump itselt (the body of the pump may be cracked/loose).

What Wayne is saying: Livewells rarely leak, however the lines to and from the livewells frequently leak and is probably the source of your leak.............Al

[LAURASDAD]

Thanks for the replies.  I am not very mechanical and maybe a little thick in the head. 

How are these fittings and connections accessed?  Aren't they "in the hull"beneath the floor?

thanks

Larry

[Fishing Rhino]

They should not be buried beneath the floor, but batteries, oil reservoirs, etc., may need to be removed before you can get a good view of and access to the plumbing.

Some of the connections will be right at the stern, at the through hull fittings.  The others will be at the pump and the tank.

Now you've got me thinking.  I've never bothered to see where the bilge pump is located, nor have I looked at the live well plumbing setup.  Going to do that today.

Can't be to familiar with the working innards of your boat.