40 Express Dive platform

[dbruce222@gmail.com]

I have a 2000  40 Express with the enclosed dive platform. It fills with water both when running with sea water, and also if it rains. I have put a hose on the inside drain that drains into my bilge.
 Problem is always water in the bilge. I was thinking of directing water from platform into grey water box. The other solution is to not worry about the water in the platform.
 Any suggestions.

 Dave

[Uhehner]

Can you pump air into the platform and listen for air leaks on the outside ?
Capt. George

Maybe put soapy water around any seams and look for bubbles"

[dbruce222@gmail.com]

I am pretty sure it is coming from the seam around the outer edge which I have had caulked a few times over the years. It never seems to work. Water still comes in.
 I think Tiara must expect this as they put two drains in. The question for me is do I set up a drain to the grey water box or just leave the water in there.

[PositiveWaves]

I am pretty sure it is coming from the seam around the outer edge which I have had caulked a few times over the years. It never seems to work. Water still comes in.
 I think Tiara must expect this as they put two drains in. The question for me is do I set up a drain to the grey water box or just leave the water  in there.

Would advise against leaving water in there, for two reasons:
1) core inside is exposed and will probably rot.
2) All that extra weight in back makes boat slow and handle badly.

I found about 30 gallons inside my platform on haul-out and have the yard working on finding out how it got in.  The caulk around the transom does not seem to be leaking, but some of the screws for the rubrail are loose and they may be the culprits.

[dbruce222@gmail.com]

I actually think I found the problem. I hooked a hose to the drain in the bilge and ran water in to the platform. It took a lot but eventually the water started coming out of a fitting that the previous owner put on. He had through bolted through the platform with a backer plate on the underside.
 I took everything apart and had new backer plate made up. Put all back together with 5200.
 I also put a fitting on the drain and ran a hose into the grey water tank. That way if any water does get in it will drain into the tank and be pumped overboard. I used a T fitting to tie into a hose already going into the tank.

 Dave

[jlobon]

I did not know that the platform in the 4000 express had a drain plug in the inside of the boat. 
I thought the only one was the one outside under it. 

Could you share with me where to find it inside?

[PositiveWaves]

It's just aft of the hydraulic pump, on centerline. I had the yard replace with an elbow and a valve. Elbow to direct water away from the electric/hydraulic system, and valve for in case of severe damage to platform. I leave the valve open, draining into aft bilge.

[dbruce222@gmail.com]

I actually think I found the problem. I hooked a hose to the drain in the bilge and ran water in to the platform. It took a lot but eventually the water started coming out of a fitting that the previous owner put on. He had through bolted through the platform with a backer plate on the underside.
 I took everything apart and had new backer plate made up. Put all back together with 5200.
 I also put a fitting on the drain and ran a hose into the grey water tank. That way if any water does get in it will drain into the tank and be pumped overboard. I used a T fitting to tie into a hose already going into the tank.

 Dave

---

Mine still leaks. Guess it always will. The hose I hooked up to the grey water tank works great water goes in there and is pumped overboard. That's the only solution I have found.

 Dave

[jlobon]

It's just aft of the hydraulic pump, on centerline.  I had the yard replace with an elbow and a valve.  Elbow to direct water away from the electric/hydraulic system, and valve for in case of severe damage to platform.  I leave the valve open, draining into aft bilge.

Do you remember what size was the plug, so that I can buy what I will need to plumb the platform from the inside drain before getting to the boat.?