Water draining directly under middle of boat?

[dustinhu]

Hi all,
I've got a 2016 Nautique 210 on a lift on the lake. It seems like the past couple of time I've taken it out there is a lot of water draining from directly under the boat around mid-ship. I don't understand how this is possible. I notice when I put the boat on the lift that water is spilling down into the lake. The water level and bilge in the back aren't full of water either.

Is there a way for water to collect and drain from the middle of the boat or am I just nuts?
Is is possible the front ballast is leaking under there and when I fill it to surf its actually filling the hull?
Is there a way to get under there and see what's going on?

Thank you!

[Tchur1]

Is it coming directly from the middle of the boat or coming from where the prop shaft enters the hull? Have you looked to see if its coming out of one of the intake ports under the boat for the ballast?

[dustinhu]

I need to get in the water and under the boat to tell for sure, but I'm 99% sure it isn't coming from where the the prop shaft enters the hull. It's closer to where the captain's seat is located. Where are the intake ports under the boat located?
If it is coming from there, is that expected/normal after we've been out surfing. Maybe it's always done it and I just never really paid attention. I'm not sure.

[Tchur1]

Im not as familiar with the 2016 210 but the intake ports are under the hull, for the front tanks usually mid ship and rear tanks are normally in front of the prop shaft. If its a ton of water coming out are the pumps just running still emptying the tanks?

[dustinhu]

No I don't think it's the pumps running bc at that point the power is off

[Tchur1]

You may want to check your impellers in the pumps and that the valves are functioning correctly.

[dustinhu]

Sure, how do I do that?
Can I get to the front ballast from inside the boat? I couldn't even tell where in the flooring to get down there, although there must be a way just for servicing reasons I'd assume?

[Tchur1]

I dont know the layout of your boat well enough but generall there is a door in the floor to access the front pumps/tank. This thread my be able to help you out more than me but it sounds like its a malfunctioning valve.

https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...es-stay-filled

[dustinhu]

Ok, thank you. That's a helpful thread.

[charlesml3]

It's closer to where the captain's seat is located.

If the boat has a heater, my money is on a split heater core.

[dustinhu]

Yes, it does have a heater. Where would I look and could it do any serious damage if I wait to handle until the end of the summer.

[charlesml3]

Yes, it does have a heater. Where would I look and could it do any serious damage if I wait to handle until the end of the summer.

Easiest way to find out: With the boat running, stick your hand in there. If the water is warm/hot, it's the heater core. If that's the case, you can go to the engine and find the heater hoses. Disconnect both of them and then connect a short piece of hose to both forming a loop. That'll be fine until you can replace the core.

[dustinhu]

That makes sense, thank you. Warm weather finally back so I can look into this over the weekend. I feel like I need to remove the cover over the ballast area in the center of the boat and drive around to figure out what is going on.

[James]

Dustinhu, as you said the water is draining out of the boat ( mid ships) when on a lift and no water in the bilge… correct? That being the case it is NOT a heater core issue. The heater core is in the interior of your boat and therefore will leak warm/hot water in the interior getting everything wet and then passively drain into the bilge ultimately causing your bilge pump to activate. I am not sure where the heater is located on a 2016 210 as I am a direct drive owner but it should not be difficult to find (likely under a seat or behind the panel in the drivers foot well). Open the compartments near where the pullout heater vents are located and follow the vent tubing back to the heater box containing the heater core and blower motor. If the area is wet the core is likely leaking and needs replaced. Otherwise find the through hull fitting under the boat where the water is coming out and you will likely find it is associated with a ballast tank. You determined the leak is not coming from the shaft though hull but if it was the likely issue there would be water draining out of your dripless packing system and therefore a non issue.

[XBIGPUN66]

I am gonna say perhaps the belly tank was not completely empty and was gravity draining out thru the hull valve. This has happened to me in the past and I was initially puzzled.

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