Water Holding in Aft Transom Corners

S

SEEKER

Active member
Joined
Mar 23, 2011
Messages
34
Fluid Motion Model
C-248 C
Vessel Name
MANTRA
About a year ago or so I remember reading a post about how some people solved a water issue where water was holding in the aft corners of the transom, the only way to drain it was to drill a hole or something... My problem is that water holds in the corners of the transom where there is a small square space that can only be accessed when you pull the aft seat/ice holder open and reach for the corners of the transom. I've pulled water out of there many times by using a sponge but I'd like to have it self drain into the bilge. I tried searching the forum but did not find what I was looking for. If this sounds familiar to anyone can you let me know how you solved the problem...I'm looking to get some assurance before I pull out the drill. :?:
 
On or 2009 R-25 we had water in the aft corners. After crawling around we found a drainage hole that has something like a rubber flap in the hole. This flap was plugged so no water was draining into the bilge. So I bent a stiff wire (clothes hanger) and was able to work that carefully in the drainage hole and we got it loosened and it drains fine now. On my belly I could feel the drain hole on each end so was able to get it cleaned out.

We got access to the starboard side by opening the floor storage hatch by the water heater and it provided access to the starboard aft corner. The port side is behind and over batteries or under the sink.

Would be good to get the area to drain, then we cleaned out any left over gunk in the low area that collected the water and our corners have stayed clean and dry this summer.

Good luck. Don
 
We had this issue on our MY2010 R-25 when we first received it. Don's description is spot on as to what caused our issue. In fact it was Andrew who at one of the Bremerton meetings lay down in the cockpit of our R-25 with the starboard locker hatch open and used a straightened wire coat hanger to clear the drainage hole to allow the captured water to pass through and down into the bilge. It apparently was not uncommon for crud created during factory assembly to be left in the transom area where the water collected. This crud would then eventually block the drainage hole.

Follow Don's instructions and your transom area will be nice and dry in a jiffy.

Also, review what Don posted at http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1375&p=9777&hilit=hanger#p9777
 
Thanks. That's the info i was looking for.
 
As the still proud owner of a 2012 Ranger 29 (much admired wherever we go) I must add to the comments concerning the accumulation of water in the port and starboard transom wells .It would appear that while running in turbulent seas or in heavy rain , water can enter these areas via the stern cup holder and unsealed bait well as we'll as other crevices .
The existing drainage holes for the wells can easily become blocked . In any event , on our boat,they do not appear to be positioned to permit drainage to a minimal level of residual water .In addition these holes are virtually impossible to be reamed out by owners who might be considered to be amongst the elderly. Obviously manually pumping out the stagnating water is as equally difficult .
After considerable consultation with those whom I consider to be far more knowledgable in marine matters than I am , we are installing two auxiliary bilge pumps in the wells . I like to run a "dry boat" and do not like stagnant water lying around my bilge.
Over to you guys at Ranger to figure out a workable solution for us older folks who shudder at the thought of a gymnastic work out in the corners of our bilge.
 
Hello KJH,

We are happy to hear you are enjoying your new R29. The pockets you are referring to are certainly not a dry pocket. With the propane locker storing under the sink, the tub needs to be able to remove making it somewhat tough to seal in. The drain holes for those pockets can only be installed so low. My best solution would be to have a sunbrella cover made to cover the aft station which would protect the doors from the sun and prevent most water from getting in there. The battery compartment and generator compartment also drain into those pockets making it tough to keep dry. If you wish to contact our parts department we would be happy to make you a cover. You can email me direct for any further communication. Thanks so much! Andrewcustis@rangertugs.com.
 
Many thanks Andrew for a prompt response to my post. Unfortunately the solution you propose will only complicate my life .
To start with I don't have propane tanks on my boat and don't anticipate I ever will.The bait well makes a very useful storage area for lines gloves etc,that are required while running and the lockers also are being used for cleaning supplies that are essential to maintaining our vessel in a ship shape and Bristol fashion .To cover these areas with canvas in our opinion will diminish the utility and aesthetics of the cockpit area . In regards to preserving the teak louvered doors against the sun we intend to dress them as anyone would in sunny climes . By the way we already have a fully canvass enclosed cockpit but have to run with side curtains removed for locking/docking reasons.
We are really disappointed to learn that the boat was designed to run with residual water in the bilge and will continue to attempt to mitigate the problem with auxiliary bilge pumps
By the way we are two 70+++ year olds embarking on an item on our bucket list which is to sail our own new Ranger 29 from Toronto Ontario to Stuart Florida ( now underway ) and a return trip in the Spring .Relatively new to boating we will need all the help we can get on our 4000 mile adventure
 
I completely understand the want to keep things dry. In your case, it would be quite simple to seal the aft bait well and cup holders that we install. Would I do this if I owned a Ranger? Most likely. It's not something Ranger Tugs has done as of yet but has certainly been suggested. We want you to feel like Ranger is going to take care of you along the way and that is exactly why I personally contacted a repair center with our credit card authorization to go and repair the drain tubes as the original complaint was the compartment drain tubes were not drilled. If there is a warranty item on the boat, I will be the first person to work with you to ensure the items are taken care of. That's the advantage of buying new and I want to be sure to honor that. If you need anything please don't hesitate to contact me directly on my cell or email. Thanks for the post. 253-230-0727

Have a fun on your trip!
 
Hi KJH,
Good luck on your trip to Stuart FL. When you get here you'll likely see a couple of Ranger Tug on the water here in Stuart. We have been using Gratitude, our new R27 for about six weeks now, and Out-To-Lunch another new R27, just hit the water. We are very lucky to have Seagate Marine, our local Ranger Tug dealer in Stuart also. They are a big reason we bought a Ranger Tug. Enjoy your trip down, Stuart is a great place to stay for the winter. If you need anything while your here, please feel free to PM me.
Tim and Donna
Gratitude R27
 
So after chipping out ice and soaking up water I find that the water is holding in the small compartment where the stern thruster is located as well as the sonar sending transducer is located, is this the same areas the rest of you have seen water holding. I can't see where a drain hole would be located.
 
Sounds like the same condition I had. The drain holes on my 29 had not been driled out. When they asemble the boat there are holes molded into the upper half after assembly they run a long drill through to open the lower end. Or at least they are suposed to, in my case they forgot.

Was able to get a longe bit in the hole with a right angle drive drill to complete the job. Mine stay almost dry. With the rocking of the boat almost all water splashes out the drain holes. Maybe a 1/4 inch stays which most bilge pumps would not remove.

I was at Norwalk boat show and saw a vaccume bilge pump system that removed all water leaving dry bilge. You could buy a system for 1, 4, 7, or more suction points. Worked great but costly and I did not get the name. But it is available so you can find it. You could start by getting the vendor list for the Norwalk boat show. Good luck.
 
I have had the same issue with my R29 and have a small wet vac I leave down in the engine room and it does a great job of removing all the water. You can dump the vac into the bilge and then after the bilge pump is done I suck up the little remaining water and dump it overboard. I find the vac handy for keeping it clean in the engine room. I think it was $30.00 at Homedepot. I just stick the hose into the water and it is removed in no time with little effort.
KJH let us know how your trip goes I hope to be doing that trip next fall and any pointers would be appreciated. Have a great trip and I will be thinking of you as I visit my boat in storage over the winter 🙂
 
So just to get this straight, the location of the hole, where would I expect to see it? I read the older posts but there was no clear directions on where this hole is exactly located i.e. forward starboard corner vs stern port corner...? I'm wondering now if I even have a drain hole b/c I cant's see anything and feeling with my finger right now is not working so well b/c it's so darn cold an numb...and why do I live in Alaska and own a boat? It's for that 3 months of summer I guess.
 
Seeker.
Look behind the batteries.
In the low spot behind the batteries, all the way next to the transom, and at the inboard side of the battery compartment, at the lowest point on the side of the battery compartment, you may see a stub of PVC pipe sticking out. The PVC pipe carries any water that accumulates in the rear of the battery comparment, into the lower bilge. The water in this area has to get about an inch of more deep before it is high enough to run thru the PVC pipe into the lower bilge. About a gallon of water can collect here before it is high enough to run into the PVC pipe.
The same condition exists in the rear of the locker on the starboard side.
 
I'll look for that thanks but to clarify the water that is holding in my boat is located where the stern thruster and sonar transducer is located, I'm not sure if you are referring to water holding in the battery compartment and starboard locker due to blocked drainage from those spaces? Maybe the drain tube you are referring to is terminating at the locations I'm having water holding in, but than those areas should also freely drain to the bilge.?
 
Seeker,
Your statement is correct.
The well where the transducer and thruster is located should drain under the holding tank into the bilge.
I never have taken a close look at exactly how they drain, except to notice that a small amount of water, perhaps an inch, will accumulate in these areas before it drains into the bilge below the stuffing box.
 
It may be cold but feel around and you will find the holes. On my 29 they drain foward into the bilge area.
 
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