Water in forward and mid bilge

[dsolo]

There is water accumulated in both forward and mid bilge. Both areas have had bilge pumps activated. There is no water in other areas of the bilge. Only between the two hull beams. I am sorry to say I noticed the bilge ran this past fall, I bought the boat in October, shortly after that the boat went to heated storage. The survey did not disclose any hull defects or damage. I had to bail afew inches from the mid bilge that was left from the fall. This should have been addressed over the winter. Not sure what I was thinking???
I need help understanding how and where this water could come from? The forward bilge has the AC thru hull fitting. The mid bilge has three thru hulls. A airmar transducer and airmar speed/temp sensor. I installed a Raymarine/flir transducer this winter. (of course this isn't the problem)
Need help once again.

[tomschauer]

Some things to check...
All thru hulls, shower sump, water heater and relief valve for same, all potable water piping, a/c unit pump and piping, engine and generator strainers and piping below water line.

A quick check is to turn off all your dockside water,potable water pump and a/c. If water continues to rise....look at thru hulls and piping. A thru hull can seep at the penetration as the sealant is now close to 20yrs old if they were never removed and resealed.

[dsolo]

Thanks tom. The engines and generator thru hull are dry. that leaves the ac pick-up in the forward bilge. It is under water but appears to have been covered with caulking? I will double check it. Is there a secret to detecting a slight water flow from the pipe fitting or thru hull connection? My potable water tank is under the aft bed. I will check all connections at it. I believe the bilge water was present prior to turning on the water pump to presurize the system. If this is right it points towards a thru hull? I have work to do.

[Viper]

Do you know if it's potable water or sea water? Along with the above from Tom, take a look at the stuffing boxes for prop shaft and rudders. Don't assume they are okay if dripless. Even if they are outboard and aft of the areas you're finding water in, there may be drainage holes through the stringers. Are you in an open slip, and has it been raining? Been raining here

[jcoll]

Qr Bbpost Is there a secret to detecting a slight water flow from the pipe fitting or thru hull connection?

Dry the area you suspect is the source and put down a lot of foot powder or some talc product. If it is leaking you'll see the water spread out. Should be worth a try to find the leak.

[g36]

On my 405 I have had issues with the sump float getting hung up. The galley sink runs into this and on occasion the float gets stuck and won't turn the pump on the box will over flow. I have put a strainer in the sink drain but I still have to pay attention to this periodically. If you haven't cleaned this sump box you will be surprised at what has probably accumulated in it.you can take the access hatches out and run the sink see what happens

[dsolo]

Hello g36,
My galley sink drains directly out an above water thru hull. I did find the forward sump with a broken flange from the forward ac drain. I am replacing it.

Viper,
This spring I found one of the rudder stuff boxes with only a couple threads engaged. It had been leaking. I replaced all the stuffing. I checked each one. Found on of the engine shafts required tightening. The others seemed fine. Will check them again.
I plan on emptying the potable water tank and heat water tank to eliminate them.

Jcoll,
There is a lot of water in the bilge. I wish I could get to the point to implement your suggestions. I will try removing the water with the bilge pump and wet vac. Perhaps if it is a thru hull fitting it will be apparent at the low water mark?

Going to the boat tomorrow. Will update findings.

[dsolo]

Found the starboard exhaust port is leaking at the flange. At least that is how it appears from viewing from the aft bed stand. Running water is differently running off the flange. I cannot tell if it is originating from that point. Someone with better knowledge may be able to explain where this system fails? At any rate I need help once more.
I won't go into how I found it, but thanks to the group once more. I would have been like a dog chasing it's tail.

All suggestions on procedures to determine what failed and methods for repair. Should I leave this to the professionals?

[dsolo]

Update: I was able to get a better view of the leak through the access port directly above the exhaust port. Water is differently running into the boat between the outside flange and the hull. I tighten the hose clamps on the rubber boot connected to the exhaust port. I also tried tightening the thru hull fasteners located around the flange. It didn't seem to make a difference with the water intrusion.

[km1125]

Can you list the boat enough to get that side out of the water? Your best bet would be to remove the clamps and remove the flange from the outside. Clean the flange and fiberglass and then use 4200 (or similar) and reinstall then reclamp to the exhaust. It would suck to have to pull the boat just to do that repair.

Depending on how bad it's leaking, you might also try to clean the joint from the outside with a scotchbrite pad and put some 5200 on it. Supposedly it can be applied underwater and will harden underwater, although it will take a while with the cold temps.