Water in bilge... Packing problem?

[actiondcpd]

I have a '03 SAN. I noticed during my last trip to shasta the boat was taking on a lot of water in the bilge while towing a rider. My auto bilge would run after every fall and run a long time after a very long pull. The boat doesn't take on much water at all if not underway.

I did hit a log earlier this season which damaged my prop. I have since repaired the prop. and have been using the boat and everything seems normal.

Is it possible to have somehow damaged the packing when I hit the log? I've read about adjustments but they sound like a pain with the V-drives. Any suggestions?

[skijones]

Water in bilge.

Very possible to damage the packing when dinging a prop. Never done a V drive, but the procedure is very simple if you can get to it.

You might check the hose clamps on the thru hull to make sure they did not come loose.

One sure way to check the packing is to put the boat on the trailer(or lift) and fill the bilge to the level of the packing. Just do not exceed the capacity of whatever is holding the boat. And do not get your starter wet!! Bad things happen then.

[actiondcpd]

RE: Water in bilge.

So try and fill the bilge with water and check for leaks under the boat? That should be an easy thing to do.