Water in Sailfish

[ronvw612]

Have a 1997 27' Sailfish always have water in the hull when I get back from a day's fishing when I pull the plug. I do not see the water ie: in the bilge so I believe there must be some sort of double bottom? I just put it out on the hard and there is no damage so I will rebed all thruhulls. I just want a dry boat. Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[DennisG01]

Search on here (and the net) for more info, but most likely the reason you are seeing this is because (as is typical with Grady's), the stern bilge is actually higher than the mid bilge. Meaning, water will first collect in the mid bilge - if there's enough, it will then run towards the stern bilge. Once the boat is positioned with the bow high, water will then run back to the stern.

The question, of course, is "why" are you getting water in there to start with? We'll need more info on that from you in terms of how you are using the boat and accessories/options (livewell/fish boxes/etc) along with when the last time you resealed all of your thru-hulls and deck hatches/plates. And, during your outings, does your cockpit floor get wet or does it stay dry?

 

[family affair]

I've been chasing this on my boat. It only happens when it's choppy. I suspect it is water coming back in through the rear bilge line from the boat rocking in the chop. Another member here with a newer Sailfish experienced this problem one time when navigating the great loop. Turns out that one time was in Lake Erie when it was choppy. My rear bilge discharge is a straight drop from the thru hull. One of these days I will tape it over to see if it stops or add a loop that goes up higher to prevent the backwash.