dock line caught in prop, now taking on water

[RillaNH]

Need some advice on this one. Unaware that a line had been tied up to the back starboard cleat, I started the boat everything seemed fine. We stopped to pick up some lake debris, put the motor in reverse and shut it off to pickup up debris. I restarted it and put it in gear and it immediately stalled. Not realizing the rope was tied up and caught in the prop I continued to try and start it several times with the same result and finally had friends tow me back. Upon reaching the mooring I noticed the line over the side. I went in and untangled the line and the boat appeared to be fine so I pulled it on my lift. I did notice that the out drive was pulled to the starboard side, most likely when the prop caught the line. The next day we took the boat out and as soon as I got it off the lift (which isn’t easy due to low lake levels these days) I heard a squealing sound coming from the engine. When I lifted to cover there was water splashing up from the drive belt (which was making the noise). I would say there was at least 1’ of water in the bilge. Shut off the engine and turned on the pump then put it back on the lift. When I took it to the mooring the next day everything seemed fine but then I noticed the water level was slowing increasing both when the boat was running and off. I put on the bilge until the boat was empty then waited, put on the bilge again and water was being pumped out. Any thoughts on this mystery? Boat is 240 Sea Ray Sun Deck, 350 Mercruiser inboard

 

[dwna1a]

I don't own a I/o setup but I would think to be looking at the bellow. Sounds to me that it has torn. After wrapping a line around prop I think I would have it completely checked out by a certified mechanic.

 

[fwebster]

The 240SD has a plywood transom core. There have been several with significant damage and rot in the transom as the transom assembly cut out is cut too large on some boats. This is something you don't need to take chances with. Take the boat to a qualified repair shop or your Sea Ray dealer.

 

[scoflaw]

Don't hit the panic button. If you have any problem solving ability this is a good boat to test this out on.

Being a single engine design , you should have plenty of room for observation trying to pinpoint your leak.

Put it on the lift and get all the water out of it. Put it in the water and observe exactly where the water is coming in. Light/mirrors, whatever it takes.

Or... pay the Man $$$$ to do the exact same thing. Next step depends on the outcome of step #1.

 

[390x]

The same thing happened on my father's 27 Sea Ray, and the outdrive was flung to the side when the rope wrapped around the prop and the jolt cracked the whole transom assembly.

 

[magstang1]

Additionally, why isn't your bilge pump turning itself on. No way it shouldn't run with 1 foot of water in the boat.

Several issues here.

 

[CliffA]

Additionally, why isn't your bilge pump turning itself on. No way it shouldn't run with 1 foot of water in the boat.

Several issues here.

my thought exactly......:huh:.........

cliff

 

[maloopis]

agreed. all good options to check.

 

[LG111]

The jolt probably pulled hard enough to pull the transom bolts in just enough to allow water to seep between glass and transom seal. Try tightening each of the bolts. I bet the bolts on the opposite side of the rope pull are super loose. If it the leak slows but doesn't completely stop. The quick fix is a clean bead of 5200 around the transom and hull.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[fwebster]

The only way the transom assembly bolts would be loose is if the transom is crushed. The leak is substantial if there was a foot of water in the boat. Are you sure you want to recommend "Try tightening and seal it with 5200 if it still leaks"?

As I said previously, this model has a history of wet transoms due to the transom cut out being a little large. If you don't find the cause of the water entry and you cut corners trying to save $$ and get by, you could set yourself up for a major expense fixing a relatively simple problem that became a huge one.

 

[Bob & Sue]

Franks advise is some of the best you'll find on any forum.

Another thing to think about before trying to put a band aid on a real problem is your transom had loose bolts trying to run it any longer could get very expensive, the assembly has moved your drive shaft is more than likely out of alignment with the coupler if it is your going to be pulling the engine soon to replace the coupler. Fixing it now will save you a larger repair bill later.

A foot of water in the bilge, your lucky it didn't sink.

 

[FootballFan]

My comment? Get the boat fixed correctly, don't patch it.

And make sure you have working bilge pumps.

Mark