2004 295 Leaking

[William]

Ok, guys! I know we have discussed this before. My bilge pumps are running more and more during the day. I have a leak somewhere! Should I start looking at the livewells first. Help get me pointing in the right direction. I hate to bring it to the dealer. They are so busy with new boats sails I'm afraid that it will take weeks to get this back.

Need help

[Jason Phillips]

I'd start by checking all of your thru-hull fittings. Also, check your livewell hoses. Those can get holes in them.

While the boat is out of the water at your house (or where ever), put the plug in and start filling the bilge area with water. Don't go overboard, but fill it enough that all of the fittings/hoses are covered with water. If you have a significant leak, you'll be able to see the water seaping out.

[bob101]

Just like he said, put water in the bilge at the house and look for where it leaks. My first boat I bought for less than 50% of it's value because the pump ran a lot and the guy was convinced it leaked bad. I didn't care, after 6 months I filled it up and it was the livewell fitting. New fitting and $40 later I sold the boat for 2x what I paid for it.

[Neilslure]

Maybe you take water over the back when you slow down or if you have a heavy partner you may have a leak around the rub rail in the back. I have quite a leak if I dont tighten my plug enough too.

[William]

I took my starter battery out the back of the boat. Filled the livewells, ran the pumps, did not see any leaks. Than I filled the boat stern with water. Still did not see any leaks. I always tighten the plug too the point that some times I can't get it out. Will have to get the boat on the water and check for leaks with it floating.

We will see?

[lkhartwl]

I want to ask a question: how do you come off plane? real quick or do you slowly and then goose the engine to outrun the wake? need to figure that out as that could be your problem, not saying it is but ...... a thought

[Marsh Skeeter]

My buddies 294 had a mysterious leak. Look in between the hull (on the transom) and the cap - just above the transom tie down rings. On his there was no glue/sealer for about a 2" space above each transom tie down. I was really hard to detect because we were always looking in the bilge near the hull connections.

[William]

will look at the cap seal. I'm always carefull when I slow down not to wash over the transom. Thanks for all your help.

[Leftcoast]

if you have the live wells in auto with both pumps on they can fill wells faster then overflow can handle.also check the lines from thourgh hull to pumps.