I'm finding what I think is excessive water in the bilge of my '98 Osprey 200, and am trying to locate the source. The next time I'm out I'll check for leaks that might make themselves apparent when I'm on the water, running the bait well. Meanwhile, while it's on a trailer between fishing trips, I thought it would be good to test the hull for leaks by filling the bilge with water and to check the intake for the bait well and that system for leaks. When I got on my back to look at the intake to see if there was a way to stick a hose in there for a water source, I noticed that the white rubber seal/bedding around the (bronze?) through-hull fitting was missing a 1/2" section and that the remaining white, rubbery seal material felt tacky to the touch, and even left a white smear on my finger when I pinched it. That doesn't appear right.
I'd appreciate any comment on that, and advice on troubleshooting the water issue when the boat's on the water and on the trailer. And does anyone make a fitting to allow you to use a garden hose to test the raw water intakes while a boat is on a trailer, similar to 'earmuffs' offered for running outboards when the boat is on the trailer? Can you use the one "muff" side with the hose connection held (somehow) against the intake to test the plumbing while the boat is on the trailer?