While investigating all the systems of my new boat, I noticed the water pump was drawing tons of current, and not pumping. Upon further investigation I found this:



The other bilge areas are bone dry, but it looks like there has been water trapped up here for a long time. Obviously the pump needs replaced, but where should this drain to? Do I have a plugged drain hole somewhere under the V-Berth? Also, any ideas on where the water is coming from?

is that the very very front compartment??? I dont have a pump in mine but have noticed water up in there, I just have gottne in the habit of soaking it up

Yes, it is in the most forward compartment. I wonder if I have a leaking line, or if the water is seeping in around fittings in the deck. I'm going to suck the water out and look for a drain this weekend.

Ive often thought mine comes from the little vent when I go threw waves, its up on the nose just under the rub rail just a thought probally not the answer lol

I never had a 303 but my 272 and 357 had compartments all the way forward. There was a small drain for the compartment that came out through a small hole in the keel about 1/2 the way up between the water line and the rub rail. One boat had a little black fitting and the other had nothing (probably came off). The water most likely came from your fresh water system (pump or fittings)....

there was a tread about that area picking up water from the drain ....that was in the front of the boat .... just a small hole in the bow .....

Pulled everything out tonight. I think there may be more than one source of the water. When I unbolted the tank it too was floating in about 6" of water. I'm almost positive every fitting on the tank was leaking, and I may have some rain coming in through the bow. I ended up pulling everything out and sucking all the water. I looked for any signs of a drain, but all the corners are rounded and sealed. I'm going to re-seal all the fittings and pressure test the tank before it goes back in. Any recommendations on what to use for sealant? Pipe dope? Silicone?

Seems like no matter how nice of things I buy I always find a project!

Still, totally in love with my new ride

Congratulations, when did you get it?

Week ago today! Took it out yesterday for the first time. Runs flawlessly. How's the Pantera? We should do some boating sometime!

Glad to hear that. From where did you get it. The Pantera went to Cumberland for the Poker Run Weekend. It ran all weekend. It needs a little work. It idles between 1000 to 1400rpm depending on its mood and takes awhile to warm up. I am only able to get about 4200rpm out of it. I am going to rebuild the carbs and see if that helps it any. The boat was a blast and I am very happy to have another one finally. Yes we should get together and do some boating sometime.