I left the plug in overnight and it rained?

[gs430]

I am a neophyte to boating and I know I made a mistake. Last night we got 1 inch of rain and my 2003 Air Nautique 216 was in my driveway covered with the plugs in. I drained it today and was wondering what I should do? Typically when it dries is all fine? I looked at the engine and battery and they did not look wet. I am so stupid!

[Chexi]

How high in the motorbox did the water get? If it got to your starter, you might have some problems with it. Same goes for if it got really high into the electronics. Dry it out really good as quick as you can. If the water was high enough to get into the electronics toward the top of the motor (or heaven forbid inside the dash), I wouldn't recommend trying to start things until it has had a chance to dry out well.

[SkiTower]

I can't see 1" of rain getting to anything, especially if it was covered. It'd have to be uncovered and a week of 1" rain to fill it to the point of damaging something. Remember, these things are MADE to get wet. Just not submerged. Nothing to worry about...

[obd666]

in the future just leave the plug in and toggle it to "bilge only", then you're good to go

[gs430]

I am not sure how high it got. When I realized the plug was in I ran out and pulled it and then opened the motorbox after it drained. The motor looked pretty dry?

[slidin_out]

i would put money on it that nothing was damaged, i doubt more than a couple of inches of water accumulated in the bottom of the hull, to make you feel better i forgot to plug the hose back in on one of my fill lines for the hard ballast, i pumped enough water into the boat that it would not plane off and when stopped the pully on the crank was spraying water every where, still runs fine, i'm pretty sure you will be ok

[j2nh]

You're fine. One inch of water is nothing, especially if you had the cover on. As SkiTower mentioned, a week of 1 inch rains might be reason for concern. Caution on leaving the "bilge only" on if the boat is going to sit for an extended period, if the battery is not in good shape it may get drained. Leave the cover on, plug out, and sleep easy. Note on plug: When ever mine is out I use a small bungee and put it on the steering wheel so it is impossible to miss when I put the boat in. Leave the plug out and you will really have something to worry about.

[obd666]

You're fine. One inch of water is nothing, especially if you had the cover on. As SkiTower mentioned, a week of 1 inch rains might be reason for concern. Caution on leaving the "bilge only" on if the boat is going to sit for an extended period, if the battery is not in good shape it may get drained. Leave the cover on, plug out, and sleep easy. Note on plug: When ever mine is out I use a small bungee and put it on the steering wheel so it is impossible to miss when I put the boat in. Leave the plug out and you will really have something to worry about.

i concur regarding "bilge only". i was referring to leaving it out overnight or at the dock in the rain, while im there with it. i dont advise relying on it long term

[Chexi]

Well, I was surprised that any water of note got in with a cover on, so I was assuming his cover was a sieve. 1" of rain can = more than 1" of water in your bilge. I have had a starter fail after getting wet from rain when my bilge pump was not working. Of course that was on my Tige.

[SkiTower]

When ever mine is out I use a small bungee and put it on the steering wheel so it is impossible to miss when I put the boat in. Leave the plug out and you will really have something to worry about.

Mine goes in the ever convenient cupholder in front of the hydrogate lever. Can't miss it!

[gs430]

You're fine. One inch of water is nothing, especially if you had the cover on. As SkiTower mentioned, a week of 1 inch rains might be reason for concern. Caution on leaving the "bilge only" on if the boat is going to sit for an extended period, if the battery is not in good shape it may get drained. Leave the cover on, plug out, and sleep easy. Note on plug: When ever mine is out I use a small bungee and put it on the steering wheel so it is impossible to miss when I put the boat in. Leave the plug out and you will really have something to worry about.

I like the bungee idea, I believe I will try that.