water getting in and going to bilge

[jimbeam]

Gotta leak somewhere in the stern and on both sides of the boat. It's running into the bilge and activating the water pump once in awhile. I found water way low on the port and starboard side. Appears to be rain water but unsure. I didn't taste it to see if salt water since it happens when it rains hard. The stern thruster housing appears tight and dry but a good amount of water below it. It runs through 2 drain holes on either side of the engine compartment back bulkhead just above both sides near the shaft but a good foot from the shaft and stuffing box. I checked the stuffing box and dry. Anyone have any ideas?
Ranger 25 2008. My next step is to take off all fittings near the stern and rebed them but the water is coming in to where it fills the bilge and activates the pump so I figure wouldn't be a leak thru a fitting.
Jim

 

[Brian B]

During heavy rain the gutters under the hatches can’t keep up and overflow. Removing the white strainer covers helps and also periodically flushing the drains with a hose to clear out debris helps also. If you can or when the boat is out of the water lift the scupper flaps and flush the scuppers with a hose. Make sure the drain holes that you found are clear of debris, run a wire or plumbers snake through them.

 

[jimbeam]

Good idea. I found one on the port side completely covered over by debris. I will check the others and flush. My problem is I like a dry bilge. I even got some stuffing flax that is dripless.

Thanks
Jim

 

[blifland]

Our 2011 RT-25SC stern thruster tunnel bolts were leaking - no caulk on threads, etc. I re-bolted with lots of 4200 - slowed leak way down. Did quick and dirty: put 4200 on outside of tunnel assembly - stopped leak completely. Rain water will get in from hinge on stern seat/hatch board.

 

[stwendl]

I write a short article on this site about this very subject with some numbers attached in terms of water entry into the cockpit and how the the drains would handle this. Not really an issue for me due to the fact that I have a full enclosure on my r27

 

[rpmerrill]

I removed the white plastic scupper screens which helps the drainage flow a lot.

On a regular basis, I stick a wooden plug in the aft drain hole and then use my hose to blast debris out of the drain lines and thru the scupper flaps. Port and starboard drain lines.

Last year I also installed a small sheet metal screw part way into the scupper flaps. It makes it MUCH easier to reach down between the transom and swim platform to open the flaps during the flushing process. Every year I debate with myself about completely removing the flaps.

I also rinse out the anchor locker every time I rinse the boat after a wet cruise (or muddy anchorage). When I bought the boat, the locker drain was completely clogged up with mud and chain rust. Installed dri-dek in the locker to help drainage as well. And new chain.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

i think you want the flaps for a following sea. you dont want a wave pushing up the pipe into the battery compartment.

such a wave can be generated by just stopping quickly.