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

sailnaway · #2 (**permalink**) 03-29-2004

Sounds like that water may be wat the pump will not pickup. The boat may have a little water coming in around the shaft stuffing box and so you will always see a little but it should be an inch or less more is a sign that a little to much water is coming in. Haul the boat out befour you buy it and check the bottom. Ask the owner if the boat has any bottom damage watch the owners eyes and if the shift back and forth allot and his voice changes beware. Your normal bilge pump even if it has a check valve to stop backflow will leave a little water.Lift the float switch fith your fingers until the pump comes on then after a few seconds release it and you will see the water come back out the base of the pump.

Irwin32 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2004

Most boats get some water in their bilge which is why we put pumps there. If the boat has been sitting for a long time it will get water in the bilge from many sources. Some of these sources may be rain water tht can work its way into a bilge in countless ways. If the water you describe is all that has gathered in 9 months I would feel good about this boat - at least in this matter.