Bertram33 User Forum

Or you could add beer to the bilge, then it wouldn't be so bad tasting it! I think they do that in Canada, Ey! 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR BERTRAM PRIDE '06 yet? DO IT NOW... SPACE IS LIMITED!

I like the beer idea!

well I hate to admit it, but I did taste it AND.............it is salt water. very clear almost as though it has been filtered in some way. I am grateful for all of the suggestions but i just dont see any signs of moisture, water or anything of that nature coming in around windows, toilet, a/c units, etc... I have been upside down, inside cabinets, behind refrigerator while boat is running to see if there are any areas that it may be coming in! We just returned from treasure cay bahamas and while we were making the crossing from ft. pierce florida, I got down in center bildge and as I was looking forward, I noticed that little drips of water was coming down from the wooden pedestal that the float switch (for the large bildge) was mounted on. This woden pedestal is attached to the center stringer AND i also noticed that the U clamp that holds the bildge wiring was corroded. As you know, this bildge and switch is installed way forward and you have to bend down to even see that you have a bildge pump there. So my gues was that water is runing through that center stringer and its making its way out there. The center stringer actually stops at the center bildge (where the batteries are). The suggestion that the water is getting in through the stringer at the center compartment is an idea. I have though been down there with a flashlight and my face right up to the fiberglass (yes, I am a skinny guy - thats why I can get to these places I am speaking about!) I dont see any cracks or any way the water can travel, but when I go to the boat yard this weekend I am going to take another look. One interesting point though! If boat is moving at 23 knotsw then all of the water is flowing to the rear bildge. Water cannot run uphill so that is why I figure these drops are from a small pin hole from hull. I agree, I beleive it when I see it. I will know on Friday as we have having all of the bottom paint stripped with that walnut shell process. Anyway, stay tuned for my findings. Roger That!

quote:Water cannot run uphill Water does run uphill... in a sinking boat! [:D] 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR BERTRAM PRIDE '06 yet? DO IT NOW... SPACE IS LIMITED!

So Roger you are getting water from forward of your center bilge while you are running at 23 knots.I am not familliar wit the sportfish bilge configuration. but on my fbc the ac compressor is the most forward saltwater using component .The fiberglass hull is pretty thick for a pinhole to occur.I would think that if you have a noticeable amout of salt water you would have to have quite a blemish on your hull. I am interessted in your hull stripping experience as far as cost and results.Would you be interrested to do a photo story on the process?

tell us about the walnut shell process - and my money is against you finding any pinhole......