Deck Leakage

[Swamp_Bear]

I know most decks allow water down into the bilge, even "bonded" fiberglass decks. But I was surprized at how easily rainwater was able to percolate down into the bilge, especially for a self bailing deck.

Actually, it kind of ticks me off.

[k9reno]

Just curious, but why does it tick you off. You didnt really expect a dry bilge did you. Especially with the floor boxes draining into there. The floor of the center console and the edges of the deck plate behind the cockpit are the only other places water will get into the bilge. I personally dont get much water into there from above that doesnt enter through the floor drains. Those actually were the only thing about my 210 that I didnt like. I think they were poorly designed and not thought all the way through.
well that and the inability of the floor box lids to seal out water consistantly. I have 1 that stays dry 1 lets in very little and the two lower ones well, heck I put fish in them anyway.

[Swamp_Bear]

Hey K9, how are you doing?

I have this pre-conceived notion that a self-bailing deck is supposed to shed water overboard through scuppers, not down into the bilge. Lake boats have decks that are below the waterline, and they pay for that convenience by having to pump out all water that comes in.

So I'm disappointed that my self bailing deck drains into the bilge, and not out the scuppers. I'm not naive enough to demand a dry bilge, but I do think the expectation of self-bailing deck being self-bailing isn't too unreasonable.

Are you saying the leakage is solely from the deck hatches and the floor edges behind the center console? I'm conjuring up images of rubber gasket mods in my mind...

[Genelie]

Are you saying the leakage is solely from the deck hatches and the floor edges behind the center console? I'm conjuring up images of rubber gasket mods in my mind...

YUP, The gaskets do not do a good job, if you have a mod in mind that works, please share...Because cleaning the forward large hatch sucks

[Putershark]

YUP, The gaskets do not do a good job, if you have a mod in mind that works, please share...Because cleaning the forward large hatch sucks

Years ago after cooking 1 shop vac, I figured out that the 210 mega hatch can be made dry by using the false floor insert and plugging up the drain with a yellow sponge pratice golf ball. Well dry at least till it rains... I still use the very same trick on the deck drains on my 190 today.

[k9reno]

In looking at the photos of the 235 it appears that they have finally redesigned the seals for the boxes. The seal appears to be mounted on the box not lid, and go completely around. It also looks like a differant kind of hinge that would put the lid flat down on the seals.

[peterturf1]

While getting boat ready decided to remove deck plate and get into bilge area for inspection and cleaning. Had what seeems to be weatherstripping sealing between boat and deck cover of corse it ripped in some places,my question is there a special type of sealant to use??possibly a bead of clear silocne.boat is going into 3rd season and will definatly be taking deck cover off at least once a year to clean you get some nasty funk growing down there. Any ideas!! thanks Pete

[k9reno]

if you want to remove that black gunk triumph use to seal the deck plate down (i believe it is the same black gung used on the splashwell lids) replace it with the clear rule elastomeric sealant. it will stick better than the silicon will. If you are all that concerned with minor leakage from the deck to the bilge.

[peterturf1]

Thanks i'm not looking to make perfectly watertight just keep the bulk of water out of bilge will definatly be pulling cover off once or twice a season to clean.

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

peterturf1

i do not even keep my deck screwed down. i would rather be able to get to that whole area of the bilge should a pump fail . water in the bilge is just not as much of an issue with me as some of the brethren!! i had an extra rear floor box lid and i made 2 "toe " boards where the rods are stored to keep my plastic tackle trays in and it allows a storage space for the rear deck cover while i am playing in the bilge