98 Sportster Taking on Water

[Jeb911]

Is it normal for sea doo's to take on some water? We took the boat out Saturday and we were parked on a sand bar for about two hours. We went to push the boat out and I started the engine - and it stalled. It took me a few minutes to get it cranked. We opened the floor and I saw water - a lot! I turned the engine off and turned the bilge on. It had so much water in the boat I was scared to crank it back up. Finally, 90% of the water below emptied out and I was able to start the engine and she ran fine the rest of the day.

Could something be wrong or is this normal? I know the rubber seal that goes around the boat is off in a few places. Will that cause the leaking that I observed?

 

[Jeb911]

Also, I want to add that I am getting a lot of water in the floor of the boat too. It seems to be coming from the drain under the drivers seat...

 

[seadooya]

water at the drain area is normal. It'll drain while moving forward. You can install a new drain, its a "ball design", can get'em at West Marine

The water in engine, either have a cooling leak or your carbon ring assy is defective. Check the exhaust outlet to for signs of bad gasket..etc, swab some silicone around it.

 

[Jeb911]

Got an illustration? Total newbie here. I will learn this thing with time.

 

[Jeb911]

Just to clarify, the water was not "in" the engine. The water was in the engine compartment area....