Bilge running when floating

[Paul Steele]

Have about 25 hours on my 18 242se

Been a great upgrade from my 14 192

Had a few minor adjustments by dealer to new boat and some speaker issues - but all resolved

Only issue now is when we float for awhile - the bulge runs a good bit - sometimes for a good length of time

Not sure where to start inspecting or take in to dealer - never had this with my 192

 

[boudin]

I've read others have found the bilge drain o-ring was damaged, not screwed in correctly, or all the way. You might check that first.

-Greg

 

[Scottintexas]

sorry to hear about your problems, it definitely doesn't sound reasonable,

Can you give us a estimate
what is a "good bit" - once an hour, every 10 minutes, twice a day
how long is "a good length of time" - 1 min., 5 minutes,

You should check to see if the water is hot or lake temp, that will give you a direction to look at a cooling line leak or a hole in the boat,
Do you see water in the engine compartment?

maybe take it to the ramp and unload it without the engine running and tie it to the dock for an hour to see if the bilge comes on,

 

[GoVols01]

My '17 212x was "gushing" water at the exhaust ports near the jets, according to my dealer. He replaced the gaskets for both engines and then sealed all the screw holes along the swim platform's rub rail on the stern, which wasn't sealed at all.

To diagnose these, he actually filled the hull with water while it was sitting on the trailer - just looked for the reverse leaks coming from the boat. Just be sure you don't get your water level too high if trying this yourself as water and electronics don't mix well in the engine compartment.

 

[Paul Steele]

If I float it kicks on about every 20 to 30 minutes and maybe runs for a good minute or two at full force

Do not notice it kicking on when running

 

[Bluewater272]

If I float it kicks on about every 20 to 30 minutes and maybe runs for a good minute or two at full force

Do not notice it kicking on when running

That's a good amount of water. I'd go with the suggestion to put a hose in the bilge on the trailer. Also make sure your oring isn't knicked, or any garbage in the threads (VERY typical with new boats as fiberglass shavings work their way out).

 

[GoVols01]

+1 on the garbage in the hull. I used a wet vac to suck a bunch of debris out of the plug hole. Lots of manufacturing debris that can prevent a good plug seal.