Bilge Water etc

[neon]

2 questions pls

1. I seem to get bilge water even when covered. Toe rails a little elevated (1/16 to 1/8 in) over a several foot section, wondering if hull/deck joint is the culprit. How do I test this theory ?

2. I did not remove all bilge water this fall. Probably 1 to 2 gal, maybe 3 below in bilge over winter. Could go all way to Maine to try to get it out but may reaccumulate. Should put anti freeze in I know... but fanned on that.
Can this cause damage ? IE get into keel or hull and or damage them or other essential items ??

Thanks so much
Dana

[Carl Thunberg]

I'm having trouble visualizing how water can continue to accumulate in the bilge on a covered boat. This is how I envision a covered boat. Does your cover not extend over the toe rails? It would also be helpful to know what boat you have. A couple gallons probably won't harm anything.

[sgbernd]

It is unlikely to cause any damage from freezing because the ice is able to expand. The reason freezing water breaks things is that the water gets trapped and forces the container apart. Imagine two jars one is half full of water, the second full to the brim and capped tightly, both left outside in the cold. Both freeze but only the full one will break the jar because the half full one has room to expand.

I would be more concerned about mildew or mold, the usual problems which come from water. It might be worth a visit to the boat during a rain storm, thaw, or whatever and try to figure out where the leak is. Or maybe the leak is internal like the fresh water tank.

-Steve Bernd

[Jim Cornwell]

Check the cover where the mast penetrates it. My tailored cover leaks a bit there, despite tight wraps and tape. Over time quite a bit of water can sneak in!