Is this normal?

[TMK988]

I just looked at the boat I have a deposit on for the first time. It is a SeaRay 290, 2006, 173 hours. The bildge (am I correct that is where the engines are?) has a trail of very oily, sludgy water about one inch deep by about six inches wide running the length of the engines. The entire engine compartment is kind of dirty, the actual engines look clean. I don't think the boat has been run for a while. Should I be worried, and yes, I will get a survey but I wanted to hear from you guys first. By the way, when a broker tells you that the seller is 'fanatical' about how he keeps his boat, don't believe him... but suppose you all already know that!

 

[bushway9172]

I just looked at the boat I have a deposit on for the first time. It is a SeaRay 290, 2006, 173 hours. The bildge (am I correct that is where the engines are?) has a trail of very oily, sludgy water about one inch deep by about six inches wide running the length of the engines. The entire engine compartment is kind of dirty, the actual engines look clean. I don't think the boat has been run for a while. Should I be worried, and yes, I will get a survey but I wanted to hear from you guys first. By the way, when a broker tells you that the seller is 'fanatical' about how he keeps his boat, don't believe him... but suppose you all already know that!

It is not unusual for the engine compartment (the term "bilge" can also be used) to be dirty. As you know, a surveyor will be the best one to determine whether the particular boat you're looking at is or is not in normal condition.

You'd find more helpful responses if you are able to post some pictures of the engine compartment.

Good luck!:thumbsup:

 

[comsnark]

In my boat, a 280SS (not a sundancer), overflow from the scuppers falls into the bilge. It is common for the bilge pumps to activate when washing down the interior.

Yes, my bilge gets messy at times. I do clean it out (i.e. shove an oil adsobent pad trhough there, then spray it out) occassionally.

If you are in doubt over potential leaks. . get a mechanical survey in addition to the hull survey.

 

[JV II]

My 290 always had water in the bilge between the engines. In fact, after rain, there was always more. Couldn't figure where it was coming from. Ran the pumps once a week. to spit out about a half gallon. My 330 has it too.

 

[Summer Fun II]

I don't know about you guys. But my bilge is so clean you could eat off of it. I have no oil in there. If i remember correctly motors are not suppose too leak oil. There a leak somewheres. :smt001

 

[JV II]

I don't know about you guys. But my bilge is so clean you could eat off of it. I have no oil in there. If i remember correctly motors are not suppose too leak oil. There a leak somewheres. :smt001

Survey will pick that up. Get a survey. Bilge water is never crystal clear.

 

[Summer Fun II]

Bilge water is never crystal clear.

Well i hate to pop your bubble on that one but mine is. :smt001. Because i never had any in the bilge . :smt038. I'm looking for the Bilge pic of mine in the over 1.800 pics that i have. :smt001

 

[JV II]

I think the water I have now is left over from a burnt hose and water leak from August that was repaired. I flooded the bilge with fresh water to rinse all the salt water away. This boat doesn't seem to be adding any water to the bilge. The water is just below the level where the pump will get it. It is stagnant, but not oily. I look forward to next year to see if I too can have a dry and clean bilge.

 

[Summer Fun II]

I too can have a dry and clean bilge.

Check your side vents ?? Thats where i had to reseal mine and then there was no more water in the bilge. :smt038

 

[islandhopper00]

I think the water I have now is left over from a burnt hose and water leak from August that was repaired. I flooded the bilge with fresh water to rinse all the salt water away. This boat doesn't seem to be adding any water to the bilge. The water is just below the level where the pump will get it. It is stagnant, but not oily. I look forward to next year to see if I too can have a dry and clean bilge.

Shop vac! Elbow grease! Beautiful new boat, deserves a clean bilge.

 

[Scanlans Pride]

its a great boat If its the one in lindenhurst...it was mine i traded up.