pod filling up on Cutwater 32

[okanagan]

Recently returned from an amazing trip through the Discovery Islands NW of Desolation sound with new to me Cutwater 32C. 2024 model.
On the way up from Thunderbird Marina in WV, we stopped at Pender Harbour for a few days. The wharfinger pointed out to me I had a good list to port, my brother measured 6 degrees with a phone app. I thought it was the cannon balls or an extra cooler but when my brother and I both stood on the starboard side, the boat leveled out, thats around 425 pounds.
Popped the inspection port on the stern swim grid/pod where the water level in the port baffle was around 3 inches from the top. Middle port baffle the water was about 8 inches deep and inner starboard had about 4 inches. Starboard had about an inch.
Yes, there is supposed to be a bilge pump in the outboard tanks where I suspect the starboard one works automatically. I tried the direst switch located above the raw water hose but nothing happened in the port tank.
Eventually ran up to Fisherman's Landing at Dent rapids and the port tank had water in it again ( borrowed a small portable at pender) Pumped out at Fisherman's and then took the boat out for a 40 minute tour. Checked again upon returning and sure enough, perhaps 8+ inches in the tank.
Ran up to Fredrick Arm and stayed a couple of days in the area. checked and the tank was empty but the pump still did not work. Checked the inline fuses and port side was blown. Replaced and it blew. Jumped the terminals in the fuse and the pump worked. I had a 10 amp and stuck that in.
Heading back to Vancouver we stayed a night at pender again and sure enough, water in the tank again. Pumped it out and still dry in the morning.
Ran back to Vancouver the next day and there wasn't a lot of water, perhaps an inch or two.
Pulled the boat out of the water and plopped it on my trailer. A fellow from Howe Sound Marine has had a look, but no report back yet.
There is perhaps a 3mm gap between the pod and the transom and wonder if that is normal or are the bolts loose?
What is the fix if the seals between the pod and transom/bolts have given out?
That is an insane amount of water to ingress, regardless there is a bilge pump.

Any out there ever have a similar episode and solution.
Thanks
Chris

 

[Ralf H]

Hi there,

The easiest way to determine where the leaks are coming from is to fill the pod with the boat on your trailer. You will see the problem when water starts trickling out of areas that may be suspect. The only area that would not show this is the seam between the swim platform and the transom. (the white sealed strip at the top of the forward swim platform edge) Also, make sure the seal on your Armstrong access plates is good, with no debris on the gel where they touch the swim platform, and that they are screwed in tight. Give those a look and let's see where it goes from there.

Cheers!

Ralf

 

[okanagan]

Thanks Ralf.
A Cutwater rep up here evidently have some bits and bobs to get it sorted. However, filling the pod with water is a great idea. If the issue persists after the "fix" that is the next plan.
Chris

 

[Ralf H]

Perfect! You also reminded me of something I forgot to tell you: if you're still under warranty, don't be afraid to use it 😎

 

[Ralf H]

Forgot to mention! Don't leave the ten amp fuse for your bilge pumps. Change them back to the 7.5. They're rated that for a reason. If they keep popping, there is probably something binding the motor and causing too high of a current draw, forcing the fuses to blow, or the pump itself is somehow defective. remember: we want to keep the smoke inside the wires

Cheers!