Bilge Water

[CWV]

Hi Folks,

I have a 2019 236. This is the third GW I've owned and one of the things that caught my eye on the current technology is how well everything on deck is set with overboard drains (boxes, extra drains in the cockpit, etc). I'm on a lift and after a heavy rain or two I will still have a decent amount of water in the rear bilge (a gallon or so). I would have thought it would have all gone out the drains as everything above deck is well sealed. Any thoughts on where that's getting into the bilge is appreciated / if you're having similar experiences. Or if for some reason it's just normal..... Thanks in advance.

Chris

 

[seasick]

Common spots are deck plates and anchor locker edge seal or windlass openings. There are more less frequent spots like drink holder drains. Is the helm covered during storage on the lift?

 

[JM321]

I have a 2020 Freedom 235 and have the same issue. My boat is kept on a covered lift, so rain isn’t an issue. I’m thinking it’s coming from the anchor rope as it’s retrieved from the windlass or the the thru hull for the toilet is leaking. I generally keep that thru hull open during the season as the boat is kept on a lift when not in use.

 

[glacierbaze]

Where do your cup holders drain? Mine drain to the bilge.

 

[Fishtales]

Hi.
Common points of intrusion or potential spots to check.
- Anchor rode. Any water on the line will go right into the bilge.
- Head Drains. If you rinse the boat in this area, it drains into the sump. It should be pumped out, but if it overflows, it goes into the bilge.
- Cabin Sole Drains. Drain into bilge as well.
- Cup Holders. As stated, these drain straight into the bildge. You could route into the bigger hoses that drain the cockpit, but that has its own set of issues.
- Hard top supports. Some have found that these not well sealed and allow water in.
- Windows. Same as above.
- Access ports. As stated, these can leak from the cover o-ring and/or the seal that secures them to the deck. I like the screw in model for the eurotransom.
- Outboard rigging tubes and/or hydraulic bulk heads. Likely not the issue, but if you fish in rough water and there water splashing into the well areas these should be checked.
- Follow water as you wash the boat down and look for things that water runs over. Things like the small box drawers on the steps of the walk arounds, speaker areas, any fills etc.

 

[CWV]

Thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate everyone's time. The cup holders drain onto the deck.