Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > General Discussion > General Boating Discussion
Why can I not keep my bilge dry??? >

Why can I not keep my bilge dry???

Notices
General Boating Discussion

Why can I not keep my bilge dry???

Thread Tools
 
Old 12-28-2012 | 03:44 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 4
From: PA/MD
Default Why can I not keep my bilge dry???

So I am doing a ton of work to my Viper to try not to miss another season. Because I am still working on it I can not shrink wrap it. I have the actual cover on it which I just treated with sunbrella waterproofer and I also have a brand new tarp covering the boat.

I do not have a garage big enough for it or it would be in it. If it rains and I go outside and feel up under the tarp the cover is not even damp. The bow has no hatches.

What else can I do?
Baja226sport is offline  
Reply
Old 12-28-2012 | 03:49 PM
  #2  
Registered
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
From: Sweet Home, North Alabama and Orange Beach
Default

most likely condensation. If no gas use a heater to help keep dry.
looseconnection is offline  
Reply
Old 12-28-2012 | 03:50 PM
  #3  
Registered
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
From: Sweet Home, North Alabama and Orange Beach
Default

and a fan, if the cover has no way to vent you will get stagnant air and that can lead to mold/mildew.
looseconnection is offline  
Reply
Old 12-28-2012 | 03:53 PM
  #4  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 4
From: PA/MD
Default

I am getting a 1/2" deep puddle in the center of the bilge. The engines are out so it is wide open and the holes for the exhaust are wide open so it can vent.

The boat is backed up to my garage door so the water is not coming in through the exhaust holes.
Baja226sport is offline  
Reply
Old 12-28-2012 | 04:06 PM
  #5  
Registered
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
From: Sweet Home, North Alabama and Orange Beach
Default

seriously, condensation can amount to this. if the exhaust holes are open and humidity can get in and there is not heat or fan moving air your gonna have this. seal those holes and put a heater in it with a fan. make sure no gas in boat or boom. or get an extreme bilge heater that is ignition proof
looseconnection is offline  
Reply
Old 12-28-2012 | 04:13 PM
  #6  
Registered
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,535
Likes: 1
From: MA
Default ez fix

Paul, just drill a hole in the bottom....problem solved!
scarab63 is offline  
Reply
Old 12-28-2012 | 04:23 PM
  #7  
Velocity Vector's Avatar
Crazy Energy
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,334
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma God's country no one else wants it.
Default

Do you have a neighbor Viper hater?
Attached Thumbnails Why can I not keep my bilge dry???-calvinpissing.jpg  
Velocity Vector is offline  
Reply
Old 12-28-2012 | 04:26 PM
  #8  
Registered
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Hampton Roads, Virginia
Default

Originally Posted by looseconnection
seriously, condensation can amount to this. if the exhaust holes are open and humidity can get in and there is not heat or fan moving air your gonna have this. seal those holes and put a heater in it with a fan. make sure no gas in boat or boom. or get an extreme bilge heater that is ignition proof
x2 Condensation makes more water than you think.
khaos is offline  
Reply
Old 12-28-2012 | 04:31 PM
  #9  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 4
From: PA/MD
Default

Originally Posted by scarab63
Paul, just drill a hole in the bottom....problem solved!
Thanks! I don't know why I had not thought of that already!

After the rest of the crap I found that was done half assed on the boat I can't believe there already isn't a hole!
Baja226sport is offline  
Reply
Old 12-28-2012 | 04:32 PM
  #10  
O.C.Barry's Avatar
Charter Member
20 Year Member
Charter Member
Platinum Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,637
Likes: 54
From: Ocean City, MD
Default Moisture

Originally Posted by Baja226sport
I am getting a 1/2" deep puddle in the center of the bilge. The engines are out so it is wide open and the holes for the exhaust are wide open so it can vent.

The boat is backed up to my garage door so the water is not coming in through the exhaust holes.
Paul - When I used to keep the boats outside, before closing the hatch we rigged a 100 Watt incandesent bulb dangling so the bulb didn't touch anything. You'll be amazed how much moisture it will burn off. You can either use an old style mechanics light or a light fixture used in construction temporary lighting. If there still is significant water after a day or two, it is not JUST moisture, you may have water intruding through the cover some how or perhaps the rub rail?

Oh yeah, the bulb has to be plugged in and lit! LOL
__________________
Thanks, Barry

Driver - High's Fuel Your Journey Cigarette Racing Team #598
O.C.Barry is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.