406 getting water in bildge when underway

[pondering50]

Hello,

2000 - 406 - I start with dry bilge - Run 15 miles or so come back in and I have 2 or 3 gallons of water in engine bilge area. It's saltwater or brackish water tasting. I am wondering if it comes up maybe via rudders???? Is there a seal at the rudders that could be worn out ? Do you have to pull boat out of water for rudder seal replacement ?

I guessing of course so share whatever thoughts you have

Thanks
Mark

[tomschauer]

Most likely shaft seals, rudder seals would leak even when not underway if they were bad.

[bud37]

Also good idea to check the pressure side of your raw water cooling pumps, lots of connections and hoses there on both engines going thru to the exhaust hoses and fittings.There may even be some evidence at suspect fittings in the form of dried salt residue.....good luck.

[kgarguilo]

Did you find the leak?

[pondering50]

No I have not. Sitting in water no water intrusion. Only when underway. It is not a great amount of water but there is water. Getting ready for a longer trip and will check it while underway once on course in open water. With wife as Captain I will slide inside with motors to verify if my drip-less shaft is problem, bit will also check at rudders entry point inside. Heading out in couple of weeks to the keys so better time for me to observe things while underway.

[kgarguilo]

I was readling in another forum that on the exhaust outlet, it is possible to leak into the lower parts of the ribs of the boat and not be visible from under the aft cabin bed. The description was water penetration while underway. I am fighting the same problem is why I am asking. I am guessing the only way to check this is out of the water.

[pondering50]

Leak not found. Not from engines been verified. Will check exhaust outlet, though I don't see any water spray or leakage when under way and I am down there looking for water intrusion.

[bud37]

So I have been pondering this....couldn't resist.

A couple other spots to check perhaps.....if that swim deck assembly is hollow and open to the inside hull, check there as the boat rides bow high. Also could the water be coming from the bow end as you travel and then settles.

It does seem the engine room vents are high enough.

[pondering50]

I am down to believing it in it the exhaust as it exists the boat. Just gained access after removing toilet and panel behind it I see water in the tray on SB side. Did start and rev engine and did not see anything, but truly that's not under a load. Will Probably will wait until tomorrow to get back there to check the 4 large clamps. But after gaining enough visual access I can watch while under load too. Will be trying that this week too. That's my latest guess anyway...

[Uk4life]

Long shot but did you ever verify if it was at the exhaust outlet. I recently discovered I do have a leak there and preparing to fix. Had the boat hauled out and just wondering how hard of a job to do?