Cracks in my bilge

[sgs01]

Any idea what causes this and how to fix it? I've heard it's a common problem. How much $$$? You are looking at the port outboard side between the stringer and the fuel tank.

I also sounded down there with the butt-end of a screwdriver, and it sounds rock solid. No delamination or disbonding.

 

[Lazy Daze]

It's just an area where the gelcoat pooled/collected and became a little too thick. Thick gelcoat is more likely to crack than thin gelcoat. Cosmetic only - especially if you keep your bilge dry.

 

[sgs01]

I keep that bilge dry as a bone! I even re-packed the shaft log because it was throwing water excessively when running.

 

[villain style]

Mine looks like that too. But my bilge is not dry. I have not spent time looking as to where water is coming from....

 

[sgs01]

Check your shaft logs. That's the first place I would look. If you haven't re-packed them in a while, they might be throwing water in the bilge. Mine certainly were before I re-packed them.

Try vacuuming the bilge out, then watching to see where it comes from. It might also be a drain hose that has cut loose from the floor drains.

 

[hottoddie]

Mine looks like that too. But my bilge is not dry. I have not spent time looking as to where water is coming from....

Water in the bilge of a boat with V drives can be a problem. If the the shaft logs are leaking they will throw salt water all over the bottom of they oil pans. After a while the oil pans rust bad enough they leak oil. Engines then must be pulled for replacement of oil pans. Dripless shafts seals are a must on V drive boats running in salt water.

 

[sgs01]

Salt water is anathema for marine engines! But, boats in salt water tend not to rot as much as the salt acts as a natural preservative and inhibits the growth of fungi that cause the wood to rot.

My advice would be to track that down. Also, check your manifold and riser draincocks and make sure they are not leaking. Yes, I found that out the hard way, but caught it in time.

If you have a/c which I'm sure you do as big as your boat is, make sure the condensate doesn't drain into the bilge. If you have a shower sump, it should drain into there, not into the bilge.

 

[IrishWake]

I own a 2007 SeaRay 40 Motor Yacht and have cracks at the engine stringer and has extended forward of the engine. The tabbing of the longitudinal stingers in the boat is failing. Has anyone experienced this?