Lack of water in the bilge - normal?

[scottrob]

All,

I wanted to find out - my 216 was out for like 4 hrs in the water Saturday and had virtually no water in the bilge throughout the trip. I was surprised and wanted to confirm this is expected.

No water = good, right? Guess my prior boat was a piece - cause it had to bildge frequently.

There is a slight puddle that is under engine, but not enough to bilge out or drain via plug hole.

[tski97]

RE: Lack of water in the bildge - normal?

My 97 sport does the same thing. I have not had any problems so I have always assumed it was normal.

[Rick]

RE: Lack of water in the bildge - normal?

Boats by deffinition don't float when the water is on the inside of the boat. :grin: Having said that, the new boats with dripless packing and being new I wouldn't expect more than a cup or 2 in the bilge. The old packing galnds needed a slight drip to keep the packing cool and lubricated. the new Goretex of teflon don't need the water as a result boat hulls have become very tight and dry.

[bkhallpass]

RE: Lack of water in the bildge - normal?

Even the old packings only allowed a drop or two per minute into the bilge, so as Rick said,
I wouldn't expect more than a cup or 2 in 4 hours. BKH

[cb]

RE: Lack of water in the bildge - normal?

We normally don't see much water in the bilge at all on our 216 at all unless we've buried the nose and flushed the open bow. Enjoy that lack of headache.

[Brad_K]

RE: Lack of water in the bildge - normal?

I may have a problem then as i have a 80 barefoot and the bilge fill to where it is coming up past the oil pan within 2 hours. I only found this out when my bilge pump packed up and had to make a chase for the dock to get it on the trailer and drained out.

It does not drain the other way though if left full on the trailer with the bung in so i guess it mush becoming though the the shaft packing when its rotating.

[Rick]

RE: Lack of water in the bildge - normal?

My guess would be the Rudder packing as that is usually neglected as it is so difficult to get to. Also in my muffler there is a drain hole that should be plugged. If that plug pops out I get the same water you are talking about. It is really easy to check. Take the moter cover off of leave it open get a mirror or just stick your hand under the stuffing box You should be able to see or feel the drips from the shaft packing. Tighten it up to where you get 1-2 drops per minute take the boat out and check the bilge after 15 min. if you have alot of water it's goint to be the rudder.