Leak source?

[quailrunner]

I recently purchased a Sea Ray 185 sport (2006) and it appears to have a slow leak into the bilge. It leaks when tied up to the dock as well as when running. The auto bilge pump kicks in about once every 15 minutes and pumps it out (110 gph pump; runs for about 15 sec). I think its not the seals or a hose, because when I put it into the lift, the remaining gallon or so that the pump cannot clear out appears to drain out, even though the plug is in.

Question: What does the correct plug for a 185 look like? There is no gasket in the current plug - any possibility that its a replacement? My current guess is that the leak is around the plug - there are no cracks or anything even remotely suggestive of one anywhere under the boat.

 

[springer3]

With the boat out of the water, try blowing air into the engine compartment with a box fan. Apply soapy water around the drain plug and anywhere you may have a leak. Soap bubbles will quickly show where the leak is.

Good luck!

 

[Loneranger]

The drain plug should be bronze screwed into a bronze receptacle so no gasket would be needed. They can still leak though. However you typically would get more water through one sitting still than when running on plane.

John

 

[quailrunner]

Both very helpful replies! My current plug is *clearly* not bronze, and when I put it in, I can turn it by hand until it is almost all the way in. I'm thinking its a replacement. I will try the bubble trick!
Thanks

 

[TexasA&M]

I had a slow leak around the depth finder at one point in time. They pulled the transducer and resealed it, and I haven't had a problem since.

In your case though, I'd definitely try a new bronze plug and see if that works for you.

 

[quailrunner]

Interesting - where exactly was the leak in your case? My boat has an after-market depth finder - I cannot tell exactly, but it appears to have a sensor in the bottom of the hull (round black patch about 2.5"?) This might also be a serious candidate for a leak. (You might be able to infer from this reply that I really don't know that much about boats, so if this post suggests a really basic reply, don't hesitate).