water in boat

jrwright · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2004

I am looking at first boat. It is 25 ft and has been tied to a fresh water dock for 9mths. It looks good but when I remove the floor There is water around the bildge pump in mid of the boat. the water is two little for the pump.

the boat is 1984 and has not sailed in about a year. is this a problem- it does not seem to be.

Thanks

DelmarRey · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2004

A little water is normal. Just make sure that the pump has a float switch and that it still works. 25'' boats usually have out board motors so there''s no stern tube. So I would wonder where the water has come in.
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chopsy · #3 (**permalink**) 03-13-2004

I would wonder where the water is coming in too. But, if the boat has been left alone for long periods of time, likely the water is from rain, finding it''s way into the boat (around a leaky fitting or hatch) and draining into the bilge. Doesn''t sound like much. If it was a real leak, there would be evidence of how high the water is getting before the bilge pump kick on. It has been my experience that the float switches tend to be unreliable. Point is, If you don''t see that the bilge has a scum line in it and it looks like a lot of water is cycling through and the pump is taking it away, it is most likely just rain water, not a hull leak.

Hope that helps!

Paul

Jeff_H · #4 (**permalink**) 03-13-2004

It is a bit difficult to address your concerns without knowing more about the make and model as well as engine option. You have gotten good advice. Some sources of leeks are pretty benign, like a keel stepped mast, and others that are usually bad news if left untended, for example, deck leaks especially at the chainplates.

Jeff