Water in the Bilge

[dgd]

I have a new 2011 RXT with a total of just over two hours. I was looking around the engine compartment today and noticed water in the bilge. I couldn't drain it as the PWC is on a lift at the lake but was able to get it out with a wet-vac. I probably took out about a gallon. In the two hours of use, it has pretty sedate driving so I was surprised to see so much water. Is this normal and if so, how does it get into the hull?

 

[Gtboy]

Check that all the air vent tubes that supply air to the engine are clipped into the fittings I had one pop of behind the cluster in the surf and had more than normal ammount of
Water come in. Check that there isn't any blockages in the siphon tubes that run to the jet as these suck excess water under full power from the buildge after a day ride I generally have about 2L ish in the hull hope that helps

 

[Dr Honda]

It's normal.

Seadoo uses a carbon seal on the drive shaft, and it leaks as you drive. That's how it stays cool. (This is also why you aren't supposed to leave a seadoo in the water when not in use)

In the boat in my Avatar... at the end of the day... I will drain 10 gallons without an issue. 1 gallon in a ski is about normal. Anymore than that, and I would check the bailers, and make sure they are clear.

 

[dgd]

It's normal.

Seadoo uses a carbon seal on the drive shaft, and it leaks as you drive. That's how it stays cool. (This is also why you aren't supposed to leave a seadoo in the water when not in use)

In the boat in my Avatar... at the end of the day... I will drain 10 gallons without an issue. 1 gallon in a ski is about normal. Anymore than that, and I would check the bailers, and make sure they are clear.

Tony,

Thanks and excuse my ignorance, what do you mean by "check the bailers"?

 

[Wenier]

The skis have bailers fitted from factory which are like a bilge pump but run off the jet unit. On your late model ski the bailers are part of the drain bungs, if you look inside your hull at the drain points you should see a hose running off each one up to just under the seat then back down and to the jetunit. If these lines are not hung up high like they should be they can let water back into the ski.

 

[dgd]

The skis have bailers fitted from factory which are like a bilge pump but run off the jet unit. On your late model ski the bailers are part of the drain bungs, if you look inside your hull at the drain points you should see a hose running off each one up to just under the seat then back down and to the jetunit. If these lines are not hung up high like they should be they can let water back into the ski.

Thanks Wenier.

 

[Michael211_2000]

Install an automatic electric bilge pump.... the peace of mind is priceless! You can leave it tied up to the dock while you go inside to get lunch or leave it anchored while you play frisbee in the shallows or on the beach and know at a glance that your ride is still floating just fine and dandy. Remember that auto-bailer suction system only works when the boat is running, once you already have alot of water inside the hull it's too late to start it up and try to let the auto-bailer pump out the water, you run a serious risk of hydrolocking the engine if you do!

Regards!

- Michael

 

[red2blue]

The only time I've had a gallon or more of water in the engine compartment of my ski was due to the drain plugs being left off....once. And that B-i-L never got on my ski again.

A cup....maybe a pint, after a hard days ride...thats my norm. A gallon?....maybe if you really like a wet ride...wave jumping w/ tail stands ect. Otherwise?...I'd be looking for a leak.

 

[Michael211_2000]

About a quart of water in the bottom of mine usually, because that last quart doesn't quite make it to the back of the hull where the auto-bailers are located so it can't get sucked out while running. A good properly adjusted (tension wise) carbon ring seal shouldn't leak when not running or leak significantly when running. It should be pressed pretty tightly to the shaft flange, very difficult to pull back by hand. If you can easily pull that boot with the carbon ring back by hand then it's too loose IMO! A loose carbon ring will leak water and may even allow air to be sucked into the jetpump at higher speeds (the faster the water flow thru the pump the lower the pressure in the pump... it can suck air thru the carbon ring seal and cause the impeller to cavitate, I've read).

- Michael