Thru hull fitting leaks

[Genelie]

Well, I thought I saw water leaking up from the thru hull fittings. From the over flow drain of the bait tank, and the pick up for the bait tank. Now I checked this out with the rear deck lid up. I put my finger right over the where thew leak was coming in. The dealer told me AFTER A MONTH of having the boat, that they found no leak. I was charged $ 85.00 for the inspection. I asked how they tested, they said they have this vacum presserized thingy that resembles as if the boat was in the water. And they told me they tested all the fittings. After a month I do not believe they did what they said. They tried to sell me on the story of loose hose clamp...WRONG, I checked that, and there was no water in the hose's as I put the boat in the water.
To top all this off they gave my boat back with a months worth of dirt and water from being outside. I gave them a spotless boat. Nice service.
So I got her re-cleaned, and pulled the rear deck lid up...this time I plan on doing the same test, this time putting sponges in different locations to show if water comes from different locations. And also plan on video taping the procedure to prove my case...WHAT A PAIN. By the way with out saying and bashing the dealer...I live in San Diego....you can figure out the rest.
wish me luck.

[JGL]

Not sure if this process will work for you, but I used to own a 170DC that had developed a leak into my bilge. On the trailer, I filled my bilge using a garden hose until all my thru-hulls were covered and look for water leaking on to the transom. It took about 45 min., but I saw a small drip coming from my livewell pump suction thru-hull. Turns out that the livewell pump had developed a crack that was about 3/4 of the way around the pump, no way you could see it by just inspecting the bilge. The water was entering the thru-hull and leaking out of the pump casing. After replacing the pump and re-bedding the thru-hull always found my bilge to be dry. Hope this helps!

[Genelie]

Thanks, the dealer also told me they did that trick and saw nothing. Like I said i will use food coloring to help locate the leak. By the way when I saw the leaks they were coming in fast...I just have to determine again where....and if it was the hose...which is possible, after all water does travel up though the the drain untill presure evens out. We will just have to wait untill tommorrow.

[MolarBoater]

at least twice a year I put in the transome plugs and fill the boat up on trailer...well not so full, but enough to cover pumps and hoses that could leak. so far OK but I know something will leak eventually....why wouldn't it? If it is under 3 years old I wouldn't pay a cent to have it inspected/tested and corrected since it should be warranty issue. Otherwise, I know I can repair anything about my boat and possibly the motor in my back yard with more certainty than most dealers. Merritt would be the exception but 1200 miles away so can't use Dick. Many dealers are improving their customer service and Triumph repairability but even those are just learning how to take care of customers and their property. I agree, some dealers don't give you back a clean (or repaired) boat but that can be said about most car dealers etc. too unless it is a german car.....german boats are not an option right now. Double check the double ss worm clamping of hoses, Rule sealed in thru hull fittings and make sure your bilge pump is in fine operating condition, our boats depend greatly on a functional bilge pump...or two. Does anyone have any ideas on how to access the bilge floor to mount a second pump....you have to be a contortionist to get down in there.