Tracking down leaks into bilge

[jon_bailey]

For several years I have had a small amount of water gathering in the bilge, about 1 litre every two weeks worse when it is wet/windy. Despite looking hard and sealing screws etc I have never been able to cure; so it is regular baling through the cabin floor. Unfortunately it appears to have worsened over the past few weeks. Do any of you have any ideas for tracking down the leaks?

My boat (Ocqueteau 775 with outboard) is moored on a pontoon and lies slightly nose down, so water gathers in the bilge under the cabin. It is not enough to kick in the auto-bilge (that is situated at the stern) but it is very annoying. Having tasted the water that gathers it is brackish, definitely not sea water, although it does have some salt. I have seen the idea of using talk, however difficult to see how I can spread around in the bilges to any useful effect. So any other ideas much appreciated.

Alternatively I will have to use the boat more and use the bilge pump when planing!

 

[andy59]

I have found leaks by laying blue paper roll around the perimeter of suspect area and then just check after rain , Leaks are a PITA and never seem to come from where you think .

 

[TQA]

Talcum powder spread in suspect areas works well. Leaks show up as tracks.

Vacuum cleaner for tidy up.

 

[jon_bailey]

I have found leaks by laying blue paper roll around the perimeter of suspect area and then just check after rain , Leaks are a PITA and never seem to come from where you think .

That's a nice idea, I have some blue roll so will try once I can stick it onto the bilges. Also good excuse to clean out the bilges.

 

[Lantic Lass]

Hi,had a really small hole in the bottom of the chain locker once,that produced water in the bilges,but the circumstances had to be perfect.
It had to be raining hard,the boat had to be dried out,and stern down,so the water would build up enough in the locker NOT to come out of the normal drain and trickle through the little hole at the back.
Took me weeks to work that one out,got there in the end though.
Hope you find it,it's really frustrating eh.