Need Help Please - Found water INSIDE my fiberglass hull

Hopefully someone can tell me how big of a deal this is.....

I am in the process of replacing my bilge pump and I just pulled the 2 screws out that hold down the mounting flange for the old pump.

As soon as I got the screws out water starting coming out of the holes....So I am guessing the water had to be trapped inside the fiberglass of the hull.

There was at least 8 ounces of water that came out of the 2 holes (probably more).

There was sealant around the holes but apparently water still worked its way in there.

I am guessing this can't be good but I don't know what I can do about it.

Luckily, since I have owned the boat anyway, it has always been stored inside. I would think if that water freezes it couldn't be good.

The water would need to be trapped in an area with zero room for expansion for freeze damage to occur. Unlikely.

Don't know what kind of boat you have but it sound as if it has a structural liner.

Nothing is water proof except fish and a frogs butt.

Water will always find a way.

Stick a shop vac on the holes and get what you can, install the pump and go ride.

Post your question over at The Hull Truth Forum, they have lots of top notch fiberglass guys, boat builders, and engineers over there that discuss this all the time... If you are really concerned you can call

Convergent Composites
Robert Lacovara, CCM, CCT-I
Office: 215-257-1907
Fax: 215-257-1908
blacovara (at) aol (dot) com
www.convergentcomposites.com

What he tells you is good as gold!