SV211, 2004 Flooded Bilge While Surfing

[SV21104]

P Posted once before, about a week ago. I’m having problems with a flooded bilge. Enough water to be up on the bottom of the engine block. Takes 5-10 minutes to pump it out. Someone suggested a loose ballast tank hose. Here is an update:

1) Went boating yesterday. Bilge completely dry on launch.
2) Did water sports for about 2 hours with ballast tanks empty. Took on about a liter of water in the bilge which I consider normal.
3) Sat for 1 hour for lunch and swim. Filled x3 ballast tanks one at a time, at beginning of hour. No additional water noticed anywhere, hoses, etc.
4) After 1 hour, amount of water in bilge was still about a liter.
5) Wakeboarded with ballast tanks full for about 2 hours. Took on another liter of water in bilge which again, I consider normal.
6) This rules out anything mechanical like loose hose, cracked tank, etc.


Only difference between this trip and when flooding is we surfed last couple of times and not yesterday. Obviously the slow speed and not really being up on plane is what’s causing the flooding. Only place water can get in boat is the seam above swim step, air vents, and bilge outlet. Hard to imagine that much water could get in the bilge outlet.


Next time out, will surf with hatches up to hopefully see where water is coming in. Anybody had similar issue? Suggestions? Fix (aside from not surfing)?

[HS]

WHen surfing, is the rub rail in the water? I have read where incomplete sealant between the hull and top deck can allow water to enter, so if you are ballasted that much, could be a possible source while surfing.

[ski4evr]

on my 211 if we load everyone to one side and fill the ballasts to one side for the best wake, the air vents on that side will take on water. We put a little piece of cling wrap over the vent and virtually eliminates the problem. If not covered, we'll get quite a bit of water in bilge. Started using the press 'n seal because of ease of use and not leaving adhesive like duct tape does.

[HS]

on my 211 if we load everyone to one side and fill the ballasts to one side for the best wake, the air vents on that side will take on water. We put a little piece of cling wrap over the vent and virtually eliminates the problem. If not covered, we'll get quite a bit of water in bilge. Started using the press 'n seal because of ease of use and not leaving adhesive like duct tape does.

Good point, I forgot about the vents. I did get a 211 low enough that the through hull was at the water line once FWIW.

[SV21104]

Any suggestions out there for modifying the air vents to not take on the water? Above suggested press 'n seal which is fine. But on a $50K boat (new), I'd prefer not be buzzing around the lake with press 'n seal on my air vents!

[msbowhunter]

Let the bilge pump do the work would be about only other option

[fech98]

I use a few pieces of blue painters tape it is the only thing that I can take on and off!