Water returns to bilge days after draining

I have a 2004 Stratos 190 FS. I'm out in California where several lakes have very strict inspections in order to avoid Zebra (Quaaga) mussel infestation.

In preparation for visiting any of the these lakes I drain and dry my livewells and bilge thoroughly. Boats will be turned away if the inspector finds a drop of water anywhere.

After leaving my plug out for several days while the boat was in my garage and manually drying any remaining moisiture in the bilge with a towel I replaced my plug 2 days ago. I just went out and removed the plug and several cups worth of water drained out.

Where in the heck can it be coming from? The boat hasn't been moved nor has it been in the water. When I replaced the plug there appeared to be no water remaining in the boat. Both livewells are bone dry.

Condensation maybe? But 2 cups would seem to be a bit much. I have a storage locker that I keep my dock rope, etc. in, and it will get some on the lid if my rope is wet when I put it in there.

Do you leave ice in your cooler when you put your boat away?

Condensation on the fuel tanks would be my other guess.

If I fill my cooler with ice it will hold up to 3 days in the garage and the cooler drains into the bilge area.

Leave your plug out until you get to the ramp.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Flipping57 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Leave your plug out until you get to the ramp.</TD></TR></TABLE>

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Turns out the problem was due to a rookie move and a livewell that leaks into the bilge.

I had water in my front well. I typically keep it closed and close the petcock to avoid having water get into it. Apparently the petcock wasn't closed all the way so water was sitting in the livewell.

I guess the front well leaks and that's how the water made it's way into the bilge rather than out of the drain.

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Flipping57 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Leave your plug out until you get to the ramp.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have seen that one go the wrong way too. Done it once myself. I don't think I need to go into anymore detail about what happened other than the water was real cold.....