taking on water...

This is probably a stupid question, but I'll ask anyway. I have a 1990 Malibu, and it's the first ski boat I've owned. When it's just sitting at the dock (or moving for that matter) it takes on a lot of water. I was told that these boats take on a certain amount of water, and it's pretty much normal... but that makes no sense to me.... I'm wondering if I was misinformed.

thanks,
kal

you are correct --they do take on a CERTAIN amount of water --but should not take on a great amount of water. check your packing seal and nut at your prop shaft. good chance it just needs to be tightened...

the nut at the prop shaft? you mean where it connects to the engine, or where it goes thru the hull?

Where it goes through the hull. Should only drip once every 10 seconds or less. I am not certain exactly what the figures are, but if it's anything more than a drip, you have an issue.

Hal,

There's a packing gland that houses a small waxed rope (packing) It's supposed to drip to keep the packing lubricated. If you over tighten it you run the risk of burning up your prop shaft.

It's possible that it just needs to be tightened or replaced. It's no big deal either way.

If you don't already have a auto bilge pump have one installed or do it yourself. It will kick on when ever the water gets to a certain level in your bilge.
You can also install a drip-less packing system.