[borcheb]

1996 40 Express: When hauled out this year, there was a lot of water pumped out from my forward bilge pump while the boat was on the hauling trailer (bow was down). Prior to haul, forward bilge area appeared dry with no standing water. Therefore, the water must be collecting in the aft section of the forward bilge area (under fresh water tanks - not visible) or is traveling forward from the mid and aft bilge area. Question: Are each of the bilge areas (aft / mid / forward) sectioned off by a bulkhead (my understanding is that they are)? If so, then I have water collecting in my forward bilge area that is lower than the forward pump while sitting in the water. Has anyone experienced this and if so, how have you remedied the issue of removing the water in the forward bilge area. Thanks!

[jclark003]

I have a 52 express/Sovran and had a similar issue with water collecting in forward bilge spaces. My problem turned out to be a hot water tank relief valve but there are numerous other places where water can leak (FW system, shower sump, FW tank, etc). On my 52 the bilge spaces are separated by bulkhead so no way for water to run aft or forward. i used a shop vac to get the water out. A small rigid tube will help getting to hard to reach places.