2018 SX195 Water Leak in Transom

[WallyWorld]

Hi Everyone - New member and boat owner here. We have been diagnosing a few issues that started with a dead battery that we learned was caused by the bilge pump running overtime. After lots of searching, we have found water coming into the transom (if that is the right word). We can see it coming in through one of the holes next to the clean out. I've attached a video. The boat is docked in the water.

Any suggestions on how to fix would be much appreciated. We leave the boat in the water, but could arrange to have it removed to fix if needed.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[Babin Farms]

Looks like it could be the seal/sealant around the shift cable?? I would have the boat pulled out and get this repaired before you have larger issues, like taking on too much water and getting water in the engine or worst case, sinking your boat.

 

[zipper]

No video attached. Might have to upload to youtube and post a link here.

 

[WallyWorld]

Thank you @Babin Farms and @zipper

Here is a video with a closer look. I think you are correct that it is coming in from the sealant around that cable/shaft. Am I correct that a proper fix would involve removing the existing sealant and re-sealing with some sort of marine grade sealant. Any recommendations on a brand?

Ideally I can get the boat out of the water, but I need to rely on my neighbors to do so, but they are as invested in this as much as I am at this point......boat people are great!

 

[Babin Farms]

I would probably use 3M 4200 to try to seal it up. It almost looks like the crimp on the cable might be leaking???Dunno. Try the sealant first and if it doesn't take care of it you might have to replace the cable.

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[WallyWorld]

Update: We pulled the boat out of the water to take a closer look. What we found is that the steering cable bolt was loose and took about 5 turns to tighten up. So I think the water was coming in from there. We got the bolt tightened, but I also removed the old sealant on the inside and replaced with new. I also put some sealant on the outside where the bolt is to help prevent that bolt from a backing out again. Not sure that will help, but more precautionary while it is out of the water.

A few things I learned:

• This is a great forum. Very helpful for a newbie
• Having a lake house next to a retired mechanic is invaluable
• Marine Grade Sealant is my friend.

happy boating!