Before Posting, Please Read Our Posting Guidelines Below.
1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011 2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260 3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.
I am new to ownining a boat. My 2003 180 dauntless is taking on water. I know the plug is tight, is there something I am missing? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Could be anything - to state the obvious, you need to find where the water is coming in. One way to find that is to haul the boat, and look for where the water runs out.
One quick thing to check would be the bilge pump - make sure the end of the discharge hose is above the waterline, otherwise it will siphon water back in.
If the boat has a live bait well check the sea water inlet hose and clamps where it connects to the seacock and the pump. Also check the seacock mounting to the hull.
It's not a bad idea to keep any seacock closed unless it's in use. Your Dauntless won't sink but it can fill with water if a seacock is open and the hose or clamp fails.
Question, when is it taking on water when anchored/docked...while under way or both? If only when anchored or docked, check this location.
I am unsure if your model Dauntless has a recessed compartment at the rear starboard side deck area where rigging exits out to the out board.
This area on other Dauntless models (1994-1998) has a 1.0 inch drain port that typically will evacuate water accumulation when under way. Most owners simply use a plug from the inside to avoid water entry altogether. When my Dauntless is back on the trailer from an outing I just remove this plug and water drains during drive home.
This 1.0 inch drain port is protected on the hulls exterior (bottom) with a Perko stainless clam-shell cover which prevents use of a plug from the exterior. Definitely inspect any and all devices and access (bilge pump, live wells, etc.) your hull may have as detailed in previous posts by other members.
Hope this information can offer some assistance if your dilemma is a very recent concern.
Best regards,
Angel M.
Edited by dauntless-n-miami on 08/26/16 - 1:42 PM
1996 Dauntless 15, Sportsman Pkg. - 2007 Yamaha 90 HP 2-Stroke
