I recently purchased a 2008 Marlin 300. The boat is quite simply awesome! I have been making myself crazy extracting water from the bilge. My question is whether it is normal or not. It is fresh water. So far I drained the fresh water tank as I could not locate the source of the leak. After draining the water returned to the bilge area (~2 - 3 gallons in 3 weeks). I initially thought the residual water in the fresh water hose system could be the source. I noticed this weekend that the cup holders drain into the bilge along with a drain in the aft locker (where the generator would be located). This means every time it rains or I wash the boat water is entering the bilge. Am I making myself crazy over nothing? Thanks for your expertise.
Water in the Bilge
- Thread starter dfh7
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The cup holders should not drain in the bilge. They have a hose connected to a drain on the cockpit. The hatch in the back should have also a hose connected to drain overboard. I don't know about the Marlin but in general Grady doesn't drain anything in the bilge, at least the new ones.
My cup holders also drain into the bilge.
Assuming you operate in salt water, a couple of gallons of fresh water in a 10,000 pound boat shouldn't be a worry.
Assuming you operate in salt water, a couple of gallons of fresh water in a 10,000 pound boat shouldn't be a worry.
Fishtales
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The two aft cup holders drain into the bilge. The drains in the sole do as we'll if my memory is correct.
If it was the water system you should have the pressure system running intermittently. I found the feed to the cabin faucet was leaking a little where the coupling that changed hose diameter was. Check them. Check the aft freshwater wash down as well. I had a leak there as well. I would pay attention during cleaning. It likely is getting I that way I suspect. You could always plug the drain tubes on the cup holder to eliminate them.
If it was the water system you should have the pressure system running intermittently. I found the feed to the cabin faucet was leaking a little where the coupling that changed hose diameter was. Check them. Check the aft freshwater wash down as well. I had a leak there as well. I would pay attention during cleaning. It likely is getting I that way I suspect. You could always plug the drain tubes on the cup holder to eliminate them.
Deck plate gaskets go bad and allow rain water into bilge. Try removing them. If they don't fit tightly, replace the gaskets.
I have the same issue with an 03 Marlin. The aft cup holders drain into the bilge, but I think the main source of the water is from the anchor locker. The anchor windlass feeds the line through the pulpit via an open hole. Also whan the boat is even keel, the bow is lower than the stern and the water accumulates there. I don't see it as a big problem, just have to pump it out once in a while. I use a small hand pump and pump it into the shower sump which then pumps overboard. This also is a good way to flush out the shower sump if you use the shower.
ROBERTH
GreatGrady Captain
I was going to say the hole at the pulpit is the culprit for some water. You can put a high density sponge there when anchor is not in use to reduce the water volume going into this hole and draining to the bilge.
Also, I had installed some rod holders in the rear most corners of the gunnels and they would drain into the bilge. I ran a hose from them down and forward and drilled holes same size as the vinyl drain so they would drain into the cockpit and run out the scuppers. Easy job and you cut the hose flush with the surface after you pull some hose through the hole. Much better than letting them go into the bilge.
Also, I had installed some rod holders in the rear most corners of the gunnels and they would drain into the bilge. I ran a hose from them down and forward and drilled holes same size as the vinyl drain so they would drain into the cockpit and run out the scuppers. Easy job and you cut the hose flush with the surface after you pull some hose through the hole. Much better than letting them go into the bilge.
Fishtales
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wlewis said:
This is an excellent point. You should be able to get replacement O-rings from Beckson Marine. You can also get screw in type for the Eurotransom if desired. Rip and replace for a positive seal and no opportunity to pop out if you are out in rough weather.
Fishtales said:
Thank you for all the helpful replies. I refilled my fresh water system this weekend. And as Fishtales points out the water pump intermittently runs even when no water has been used. I believe this means there is a small leak somewhere slowly reducing water pressure. Looked at the galley faucet this weekend but it checked out ok. Next up is the cockpit faucet.
Fishtales
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Good. sounds like you are on to it.
The short bursts of the pump drove me nuts till I found it. Trace the water lines and look for wetness. It prob is a small leak.
I never did it, but you may be able to use food coloring or some other type of tracer to help.
The water goes to the following:
- (3) faucets (galley, head, rigging station).
- Wash down at the rear of the boat.
- Head itself is freshwater if a vaccu flush.
- Pump itself or tank.
If you got a documentation binder with the boat, there should be a water system diagram. If not, maybe GW Cust Service has it on the website or they can provide.
Good luck.
The short bursts of the pump drove me nuts till I found it. Trace the water lines and look for wetness. It prob is a small leak.
I never did it, but you may be able to use food coloring or some other type of tracer to help.
The water goes to the following:
- (3) faucets (galley, head, rigging station).
- Wash down at the rear of the boat.
- Head itself is freshwater if a vaccu flush.
- Pump itself or tank.
If you got a documentation binder with the boat, there should be a water system diagram. If not, maybe GW Cust Service has it on the website or they can provide.
Good luck.