420 sca

[MARGEEZ]

I have recently purchased my 420 SCA (what a 'tale' to get this purchased!...for another 'thread'). She spent 3 wks on the hard to address all the survey items and bring her up to a 'normal maintenance level'. Now for the 'minor' items. In her forward sump (water collection box for shower, 2 sinks, & 2 a/c), I have replaced the sump drain hose and cleaned the pump & float (so disgustingly clogged...had purchased a new float but the old one still works after cleaning). It appears the sump box has a leak. I believe the leak is thru one of the screw holes (there are 9 screws at bottom of box to hold it onto wood supports). Why are screws used in the bottom of a box for water collection to begin with? Once the water is outside the sump box, it has 'no where' to go (probably will go to a center or rear bilge area while getting to plane?). No pump outside the sump box. Is this 'engineering' ...'normal'? If so, what has been other owners' solutions to 'waterproofing' the screws/holes?

 

[RollerCoastr]

Congrats and welcome to CSR! I assume during your search you considered some Maxums? The model of your boat is a 420AC.

I don't think I've ever seen a sump box designed to have screw penetrations through the bottom....? I've seen exterior mounts and my own has clips that run alongside the exterior of the box.

One of the hoses should be a discharge to a through-hull. Follow the base of the pump to determine which one that is.

 

[MARGEEZ]

Yes, the sump pump has a line (also replaced to remove 'potential' for the leak) to discharge overboard. I would have thought the sump 'box' would not have had holes (screws) for leak potential. I have just attempted to 'seal' the screws (liquid electric tape...next will be a grout....then final, if no success...a new sump box).

We considered Hatteras, Carver, & Maxums. Looked at a Meridian (loved it) and then saw the Sea Ray 420 SCA. After viewing the Meridian (wider beam), the Carver & Maxum was 'knocked out' of consideration. Having multi-level of steps is tiring (and I am retired) but.... she does have 'space'. ...and is 'sweet' to cruise. After having a dual gas 38' express cruiser, I would never consider gas engines again.

 

[RollerCoastr]

Yeah, it is strange that your sump has screws through the bottom. Possibly a "mod" from the previous owner?

You definitely shopped around! I'm glad you came across the right boat. My point about the model is that you're using the model designation of Maxum "SCA" to describe your SeaRay, which is an "AC".