Targa 27 water in bilge

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kevinw

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Hi,

I have a 1989 Targa 27. Every time I go out in rough weather the bilge starts to fill with salt water, about 6-7 gallons after about an hours running. This only happens when its rough.

Each side of the bathing platform where it joins the transom there is a void. These seem to be filling up & then slooshing over into the bilge.

So far I've blocked off the forward facing engine vents, sealed top/bottom of rubbing strip, sealed around shower unit & blocked off bilge pump pipe incase of backflow.

Has anyone had similiar problems? Any suggestions to cure the problem would be really appreciated.

Thanks
Kevin.
 
When its rough presumably you are going slower? Ie" Off The Plane".

Whilst shifting along you aint gathering water, whilst going "slower" you are?

Water must be ingressing the "Transom Void".

Had a similar problem (different vessel)

Had a pinhole blemish or two in the "void transom area".

Think a lift out and poke about in that area might be the answer for your prob.

Didn,t get any substancial amount of water getting in, whilst moored, or when "motoring" just when "chugging".

Sounds similar, good luck
 
Any chance your boat has outdrives..The steering shaft seals will leak if sufficiant grease not present.Not a reason to panic just apply grease gun to nipple and give a few pumps.Sort seals during next gaitor change.Prob steering fork area clear of water when planing but under water during slow rough water journies with lots of helm corrections
 
One thing is for sure - it won't have done this when it was new will it?

My 1986 Windy had the same problem and it turned out to be the transom shields had started to leak. Lift out, dismantle, re-metal the corroded shields at a specialist ali welder (£100 for the job - cheaper than new or second hand shields at £1500) and new seals. Job sorted.

Oh, BTW - it does get worse and then it starts to leak while moored. You really do need to nail this fault as it it not inconsequencial.
 
Sorry, should have mentioned this seems to happen on a rough cruise for an hour or so at 23-24kts. The bilge had been completely dry for 4 weeks including two trips poole to cherbourg when calm then one trip poole to lulworth in rough & I've got 6-7 gallons in there. On this trip we came off the plane once for about 5mins at st.albans head due to wind over tide nasty waves then on at 23kts. I would estimate a force 4 with spray but not waves coming over the top at times.

The boat was re-engined six months ago from two volvo petrols to a single yanmar 315hp desiel. Not sure if she took on water before this as not had boat very long before change & not used in rough.

Kawasaki: Thanks, have already had her out & looked around when re-sealing rubbing strip but found nothing. Will look even harder if she has to come out again!

Oldgit: Yes, she has a single merc bravo two outdrive being new I would hope its got enough grease & seals ok but with marine industry who knows. If lifted again will pump with grease to make sure. Thanks.

Dave: Have just been told the rear vertical engine vent did leak from new & had to be modified on this age boat so will now block this off before lifting. Not sure enough would enter to account for all the water though. Will mention again to engineer who installed although he has already checked if the sheild is leaking on prevoius visits to cure problem. Thanks.

I had just about exhausted all my idears & didn't know what else to try so thanks everybody. This has been so frustrating seeing my new engine slowly turning red. Will investigate all the above & hope something works.

Kevin.
 
Thanks kimhollamby. I don't have rod holders installed but do have flag post holes but they are both sealed units. Nice idear though.

Yes, the problem is most likely about to poke me in the eye soon but so far no joy.
 
I had a 1990 Fairline Targa 27 which had the blanked off forward facing vents.I used to get small amounts of water in the engine compartment which overtopped the internal transom which tended to fill up with water. never did get to grips with where it came in - it did seem to slow down when I re-sealed the joint between the rubbing strake and the hull.

btw i did pump it out periodically and although it tasted like salt water, it was definitely worse after rain or a rough trip, which implies there were still some gaps somewhere.

But it was never the volumes you are talking about. - stating the obvious, I know, but have you checked the cockpit drains are working okay & not bunged, split, weeping etc.

Good luck. They're a good boat - i had a lot of fun with mine.

ItS
 
Hi ItS,

The problem is still just as bad since I re-sealed the rubbing strake so don't think its that anymore. Have also closed engine hatch & left hose to run over cockpit floor with no water entering bilge from above or through drain pipes etc. (All fittings & pipes are in good condition).

The water is definately salt from the taste & residue of cristals left once bailed & dried by engine heat. The bilge has also been dry for a four week period with heavy rain at times but without any rough weather trips. It seems this problem just occurs when its rough.

Good luck is definately what I need now........I've exhausted everything else. As you say they're a great boat & we've had some fantastic times aboard her.

Thanks again.
 
Hi Snail

Could you track down the previous owner? Now that its not their problem and provided they know you're just looking for info, they may tell you if it was a problem before re-engine. If not, then it may point to a leak around the transom plate as someone else mentioned.

Saw my old one in Carteret yesterday. Still looked good!

ItS
 
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