Bilge leak at high deck angle

[sportnaut]

Have an '89 Sport Nautique that is taking on lots of water when running at high deck angles, basically not planed out. Idling along or sitting in water it does not leak. Wondering if anyone had this issue. Exhaust tube looks good as well, cant find any holes. Suspect of the hull line by swim step but don't know how the boat was put together.

[CradGen2]

Could be what you are saying, but I would check the motor area while driving the boat. Could be packing, rudder area. You could have an exhaust leak, but wouldn't see it unless there is pressure.

Becareful while doing this.

[nms1991]

have a friend drive the boat at the right speed and check without the interior for a leak. Had a 91 sport a couple of years ago i had to remove the rub rail around the back of the boat half way up the side, cleaned out the deck seam and re caulked with 3m 4200. Also caulked all of the screw holes.

[Marko1956]

I had a similar problem with a '92 American Skier. I looked everywhere and for the longest time couldn't find a leak. It turned out that the caulking under the rub rail, i.e. the seam where the deck and the hull are joined, had come out. When the boat was riding low in the water or turning at a low or medium speed the water would ride up the side of the hull near the rear of the boat and be forced through the gap. You can check by getting very close to the side of the boat and look up under the rub rail. A flashlight shinning on the inside might help. As a temporary fix I used kitchen silicone. The proper fix is to remove the rub rail and use marine caulk.

[jbach]

Mine leaks a bit at the rub rail as well. Try launching the boat at a relatively steal ramp and check for leaks while it's on the trailer at that strap angle just before it floats off the trailer.

[surroundsound64]

Mine leaks a bit at the rub rail as well. Try launching the boat at a relatively steal ramp and check for leaks while it's on the trailer at that strap angle just before it floats off the trailer.

Mine will float the trailer. Lol

[sportnaut]

Thanks to all the problem is absolutely the rub rail seam. Did a lot of trials with of all things tape just to see what would happen. Taped up no leak. So 4200 on order and proper fix to commence when I get it. BTW I used simple vinyl tape, clean going on and easy to remove with no residue.