phantom 38

[timv]

I have a Phantom 38 and have noticed every couple of weeks approximately a bucket of water will collect in the bilges just below the strainers even if the boat has not been moved. I assumed there must be a blockage to the nearest bilge pump and poked though the tunnel, but it appears this is in fact lower than the bilge pump and water poured over the bilge pump area will drain down to under the strainers. This seems a very strange design does anyone else with a 38 have this problem or is their bilge pump in this lowest position ?

many thanks
Tim

 

[jrudge]

Most bilge pumps seem to be designed to clear large amounts of water from the boat and not to deal with smaller levels.

I once had a Cranchi with a "micro bilge pump" on a hose that could clear anything that was great.

Bigger issue is where is the water coming from ?

Fresh or salt?

 

[baylabayla3288]

I have a Phantom 38 and have noticed every couple of weeks approximately a bucket of water will collect in the bilges just below the strainers even if the boat has not been moved. I assumed there must be a blockage to the nearest bilge pump and poked though the tunnel, but it appears this is in fact lower than the bilge pump and water poured over the bilge pump area will drain down to under the strainers. This seems a very strange design does anyone else with a 38 have this problem or is their bilge pump in this lowest position ?

many thanks
Tim

I had the same in my previous Phantom 38. The main bilge pump is in the back of the engineroom and is at the lowest point when the boat is at planning speeds. In my boat the shaft seals were weeping a litle and every time I used the boat after a few weeks pause the pump went on as the bilage water moved back. My boat also had a second pump in the front of the engine room that was operated by a manual switch. This could be used to get rid of the "last drips".

If more water is accumulating in the engine room pls check your raw water hoses for cracks. I had one rupture that allowed a lot of water in.

 

[BruceK]

Bigger issue is where is the water coming from ?

Fresh or salt?

Off topic slightly I had a fresh water leak in the bilge. Always thought it was rain water. Turned out the fresh water loo fresh water valve would randomly let go temporarily as the water feed is pressurised, overflow, and go down the shower hole. With the electrics off the shower sump pump doesn't operate. I get the shivers to think I was finger dipping in the water to taste if it was fresh or salty still.

 

[EugeneR]

Ours was the same when I got the boat, I removed the water two years ago and had dripless seals fitted, it's been dry ever since.

 

[rafiki_]

Our boat takes a bit of water in through the engine intakes when the sea is rough, and she rocks and rolls. Nothing to note from the shaft seals. The amount of water can be 20 or so litres, but below the (solid state sensor), so I pump this out with the Pela, as I don't like salty water sloshing around my bilges.