[Knot On Call]

The keep pump on my 52 Sovran Salon comes on after running for approximately 1 hour even on calm days. I have to stop for a few minutes to let the keel pump work until it shuts off.  Then repeat an hour later. I checked for possible sources. My forward, mid, aft and davit bilges are all dry. I resealed my swim platform, no water is entering the shell and running down to the keel. No water is entering the engine room air intakes. All interior stringers under the intakes are dry. My only thought is can water be entering the small exterior cockpit drain holes on the underside of the swim platform side moldings. They are in the water stream while running. Has anyone experienced this issue? Thanks.

[jclark003]

I’ve fought four different sources of water entering the keel bilge while running: the seam behind the rub-rail, especially where the cut out is for mounting rollers; the joint sealant lines on the top of the platform (especially by the corners), the aft bilge pump discharge nozzle under the platform rail (there should be a flap that covers the thru-hull when under way) and the rubber exhaust hose joints (clamps loosen over time). For me the worse were the black sealant covering the joints on top. I ran a hose over them, climbed down and was amazed at how much water was entering and while under way those areas are constantly awash. The exhaust joints also were letting in a lot of water. You can also check the rudder posts while under way. A couple cameras placed down there will probably help a lot.

[Folkvord]

I've been struggling with the same issue for some time on my 47 sovran.-Replaced and resealed
the rubrail around the platform.-But that didn't make much of a difference.-Did each one of you replace the black sealant joints on top of the platform?-And if so, did it fix the problem?

[jclark003]

Yes I found that into be the main source of water leaking into the bilge. Left a hose running across the deck of the platform, went into the steering compartment and could see quite a bit of water raining down inside the platform. Black sealant looked fine but it was really getting in.

[Splendor]

GM,
We have a 2004 5200 that we bought 8/2024. Our keel bilge doesn't get excessively wet but under our starboard engine we get water while underway. Doesn't happen when raining. The swim platform awash while underway is a possibility. I will be doing the same with a hose and the transom locker (aft) bilge.
One question regarding the flaps covering the bilge discharge, what are or could they be replaced with? Had majority of the engine and deck hoses replaced last winter and the yard had to replace the thru-hulls. In the process they discarded the flaps. Any ideas for replacing?
Regards

[jclark003]

I would check with Tiara. They will probably give the supplier name/part if they don’t have them available.

Water in your engine bed after running could come from a lot of places including leaking exhaust (loose clamps), shaft seal leaking, anywhere along the raw water cooling circuit, AC pump or even a sea strainer. Doubtful keel bilge leaks will make it up into the engine beds. Suggest you get some good earmuffs and go down there while underway or get a camera setup. Placing blue paper shop towels under the engine will also help trace where the water is coming from. You definitely want to find where that leak and address it before it gets any worse.

[Knot On Call]

Thank you everyone for your comments. Through the course of time, I removed the edging and molding around the swim platform, resealed and re-screwed and sealed the platform halves, replaced and resealed the SS molding, resealed the platform rollers. (Tiara had the drain holes from the rollers blocked behind the old molding.)After observation underway , incoming water around the swim platform was stopped. Rudder seals dry. I had a few questions:
jclark-"rubber exhaust hose joints"- do you mean the 12 in hose sections going to the underwater exhaust? "black seal covering the top" Is that the seal between the swim platform and transom? "Exhaust joints"- can you explain further?

Splendor- The material comes in a small sheet. Order from Tiara

Part # 5421910 IS THE WHITE RUBBER FLAP
$12.48 EACH

Part #0899618 STAINLESS PLATE THAT ATTACHES THE FLAP TO THE BOX
$88.00 EACH

Both in stock. Attachment plate we carry may differ from original.

Thank you all for the information. I will let you know if I find the source.

[jclark003]

Yes exhaust joints are the connection points between the muffler tail and the aft exhaust, joined by 12” exhaust hose. Frequently a point of leakage. Yes seal between deck of platform and transom. Looking down rus the width of platform

[Splendor]

Good evening,

2 questions:

What black caulk product was used to reseal the swim platform to the main boat body as there's almost a 3/8" gap to span?

Would someone happen to have the number to call Tiara?

Many thanks in advance

[jclark003]

I do not know what Tiara used and there are a lot of products out there that will work. I used something called seal bond 105. You will need to work fast before it skims over. Get a powered caulk gun, use a high quality tape on the joint lines, keep a spray bottle with mineral spirits handy to keep the sealant wet and to clean up, and pull a socket down the joint to give it a smooth finish. Best to practice on a small joint first.