1982 Supra Mariah leaks

[davebloom]

I am new to boating and have a 1992 boat that seems to have a consistent slow leak in the middle of the hull. Not quite sure where to look or how to look for it as the engine compartment is only so big. Any suggestions? Do I dry dock at and fix the fins?

[michael hunter]

Are you sure its not the prop shaft packing? They are supposed to leak a few drops per minute to lubricate the packing.

[cadunkle]

It could also be the rudder port, earlier models have a packing gland but a 1992 probably has o-rings. I had to remove and reseal my swim platform brackets a few years ago, at least one was leaking. There's only a few places water can leak in these boats. I also tighten all coolant hose clamps every spring when getting the boat ready. Never had one leak but I try to stay on top of preventative.

[davebloom]

Do these boats have fins / rudders in the bottom of them or some type of protruding pieces of steel that help with the turn on the boat? The other day I pumped out all the water and I took towels and dried out the whole area and then I sat and watched to see where the water was coming from. It’s coming from towards the metal or in front of the engine compartment area.

[cadunkle]

Tracking fins have through bolts into the bilge, one pair goes through part of the pylon mount. Never heard of them leaking, but it's possible they could need to be cleaned up and resealed. The garboard plug for the drain plug could also be leaking. If you have Perfect Pass there may be a through hull for the paddlewheel which could have a leaky o-ring or less likely need the through hull fitting resealed.

[Mischief IV]

Tracking fins have through bolts into the bilge, one pair goes through part of the pylon mount. Never heard of them leaking, but it's possible they could need to be cleaned up and resealed. The garboard plug for the drain plug could also be leaking. If you have Perfect Pass there may be a through hull for the paddlewheel which could have a leaky o-ring or less likely need the through hull fitting resealed.

Unless the skegs (fins) have been replaced due to prior damage, I agree with Cadunkle, no way that is the cause. Drain plug...perhaps. My older boats leaked at the shaft packing and the rudder.

[davebloom]

Are you sure its not the prop shaft packing? They are supposed to leak a few drops per minute to lubricate the packing.

Nope it’s not that. I also found a couple leaks around the engine mounts and took care of those as well. It’s definitely coming from the front part of the boat and when I turn the bilge pump on when I first leave the dock it’ll run for a couple minutes with a solid strain