Boat launch trouble

[Sosrbny]

I'm a new boat owner aquasport 17 cc. Tried to launch today and had so much water in my transom trough the scupper holes I was worried the boat would sink. My question is how much water is normal?
Also should I plug those holes for launch and then remove when under way ? The motor is a 90 Yamaha
And i Had a spare anchor in a milk crate back there. I know these are very beginner questions,but that's where I'm  at. Any  thoughts

[wingtime]

Water thru the scuppers at launch and retrieval is normal for old Aquasports.  The deck is designed to be self bailing out the scuppers.  Problem is they were close to the water line when these boats were new.  Over time like people these boats gain weight with age due to water soaked foam etc.  The angle of the boat at launch and retrieval places the scuppers temporarily below the water causing the decks to flood.  This is more annoying than it is a danger.  The water should not get into the hull unless you have holes in the deck or leaky pie plates.  You could plug the scuppers but the easiest thing to do is install a set of ball type scuppers.  I prefer the ones made by TH marine since they have a two piece design to allow for easy cleaning.

Here is a link to the type of ball scuppers I use:
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=9138

[Sosrbny]

Thanks for replying. I exercised caution and immediately pulled the boat and did some research.im gonna plug the holes for launch and pull them under Way. monitor at the dock . ill run some water on the deck see how it drains. I'm a newbie and a little gun shy. Never launched a boat before.
Regardless thanks for the reply.

[arnaldo]

I had the same concern first time I launched also. At first, every time I went out with the boat I kept looking back to see how much water was oming in....sometimes we would be three heavy guys on the boat fishing and if two of us want aft you would see the water come in. Eventually goes once under way. I make sure my aft pie plate is always secure and tight and I too have the ball scuppers and can't think of a  better system to keep water out.
When the water is a little chilly and I'm barefoot I always plug them though.
Enjoy the boat.
Arnaldo

[Sosrbny]

Thanks. I'll give it another go tomorrow

[gran398]

Welcome aboard

EVERYONE here was a newbie.

Welcome!

[pzart]

Water thru the scuppers at launch and retrieval is normal for old Aquasports.  The deck is designed to be self bailing out the scuppers.  Problem is they were close to the water line when these boats were new.  Over time like people these boats gain weight with age due to water soaked foam etc.  The angle of the boat at launch and retrieval places the scuppers temporarily below the water causing the decks to flood.  This is more annoying than it is a danger.  The water should not get into the hull unless you have holes in the deck or leaky pie plates.  You could plug the scuppers but the easiest thing to do is install a set of ball type scuppers.  I prefer the ones made by TH marine since they have a two piece design to allow for easy cleaning.

Here is a link to the type of ball scuppers I use:
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=9138

What Wingtime said is the best approach.....

My previous owner installed bilge pumps and drilled holes for water to get to them in the trough, pretty simple but there is cost and labor involved. I just plugged mine and thought I would remove them while under way.....being lazy as I am, I haven't removed them yet haven't found a reason to yet....but then again, I do have a bilge pump for emergencies.  

[Sosrbny]

My previous owner installed bilge pumps and drilled holes for water to get to them in the trough, pretty simple but there is cost and labor involved. I just plugged mine and thought I would remove them while under way.....being lazy as I am, I haven't removed them yet haven't found a reason to yet....but then again, I do have a bilge pump for emergencies.  [/quote]


Ditto. My previous owner did the same I'm going to install the golf ball next time I pull the boat.  

My second dilemma is the motor stalled today. My new fuel water separator was full of debris. The boat sat for a year and a half.i siphoned out all the fuel. I removed the pick up because it was defective. My mechanic advised to install the new one without the screen. Was this a mistake? I'm going to run off a spare tank to rule out a motor problem. My question is could my brand new water separator filter clog enough in one outing to stall the motor? Is it advisable to rely on that filter to protect the motor, and will replacing them frequently be an effective way to rid my tank of debris?

[gran398]

Regarding your engine fuel issue:

If you're getting heavy fuel contamination...yes, the big filter can clog sufficiently to prevent fuel flow.

By running a clean aux tank through the big filter...you've isolated your problem to the main tank/ fuel line to the big can filter/water separator.

Don't replace the spin-off filter until the problem is isolated/rectified. Dump it as necessary, fill with more gas...don't waste the money on a new filter until you address the main tank.

[Sosrbny]

Regarding your engine fuel issue:

If you're getting heavy fuel contamination...yes, the big filter can clog sufficiently to prevent fuel flow.

By running a clean aux tank through the big filter...you've isolated your problem to the main tank/ fuel line to the big can filter/water

Thanks ill try that tomorrow

[wingtime]

Your probably just getting bits of varnish and gunk out of the tank.  You could pay to have a company to come polish the fuel and clean the tank,  But your probably better off just replacing several filters until is the fuel is clean.  Question did you use ethanol fuel?


Also am I reading that right Sosrbny?  A PO drilled holes in the deck to allow water into the hull?    The last thing you want is an easy way for water to get into the hull from the decks.  These boats are designed so the deck could be awash in water and it will safely drain out the scuppers. Drilling holes in the deck to allow water below deck removes the safety designed into the hull.  The bilge pump should only be for slow leaks or something.  If your batteries die and the boat is left in the water during a good rain... it would sink!

[Sosrbny]

Yes you are reading that right. There are holes drilled in that rear well to allow water into the hull. The bilge hose is also routed through a hole in that same well. I'm not sure what fuel was in there but the clean fuel I put in the tank does have ethanol. I'm not sure if we can get gas up here without it.

[gran398]

Friend, we need some pics.

PM me, will gladly assist you in posting pics.

If you have holes in the rear deck dumping direct to the bilge....please don't run her 'till we take a look.

[Sosrbny]

Had to halt my scupper problem. Having some motor issues. 90 Yamaha c series running ok at idle overheating at high rpms. Changed water pump and thermostat. Suspect pcv or salt deposits. Boat sat for a year and a half. Any ideas

[Aswaff400]

Had to halt my scupper problem. Having some motor issues. 90 Yamaha c series running ok at idle overheating at high rpms. Changed water pump and thermostat. Suspect pcv or salt deposits. Boat sat for a year and a half. Any ideas

we've had several 90 yamahas in tha marina have overheat issues at high rpm, each one of them had a clogged water jacket on the cyl head. salt and sand build up over the years along with sitting and lack of use all of the deposits settled in the bottom of the water jacket. i recommend trying the vinegar flush in a barrel should clear up most of the salt and crud build up http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-for ... negar.html