For a couple years my father in-laws 98 270 DA has has a water leak in the engine room. We had a lot of trouble finding it, and he dealt with it by pumping and bailing the water out. The leak was worst when the boat was occupied and the aft was down a bit.
The yard mechanic was finally able to pinpoint a leaking Bravo 3 transom assembly. But my FIL waited a season before we convinced him to make the repair.
The engine was removed earlier this month, and the transom repair began this week. The pics below are what was found when the mechanic started the repair. It isn’t pretty.
Here's what the salt does to the transom assembly suction tube. It’s crushed and collapsed. The boat would've overheated this year. That hole should be double the size. This is why through hull water intakes are better then drive leg intakes.
Also the exhaust y pipe was severely compromised. It is supposed to have 4 heavy attachment bolts. 2 were gone. When the mechanic pushed on the pipe the remaining bolts broke free. He was amazed the boat hadn’t sunk yet.
We’re also making extensive repairs to the engine. Power steering pump and lines, alternator, all the hoses and pullies, cooling system parts, engine coupler, oil pan, etc. There was a lot of corrosion from salt water in the bilge. So far we’re up to about $7000 in parts. Full repair expected to be about $10k. But once done the boat will be in good shape again.
The yard mechanic was finally able to pinpoint a leaking Bravo 3 transom assembly. But my FIL waited a season before we convinced him to make the repair.
The engine was removed earlier this month, and the transom repair began this week. The pics below are what was found when the mechanic started the repair. It isn’t pretty.
Here's what the salt does to the transom assembly suction tube. It’s crushed and collapsed. The boat would've overheated this year. That hole should be double the size. This is why through hull water intakes are better then drive leg intakes.
Also the exhaust y pipe was severely compromised. It is supposed to have 4 heavy attachment bolts. 2 were gone. When the mechanic pushed on the pipe the remaining bolts broke free. He was amazed the boat hadn’t sunk yet.
We’re also making extensive repairs to the engine. Power steering pump and lines, alternator, all the hoses and pullies, cooling system parts, engine coupler, oil pan, etc. There was a lot of corrosion from salt water in the bilge. So far we’re up to about $7000 in parts. Full repair expected to be about $10k. But once done the boat will be in good shape again.
