Hi ,
Been having a look at a few small boats as a livaboard option, 1 was a beautiful 23ft Cole, been sat a while judging by the scum on the bottom.
But she had a bilge full of water (salt water or rain I'm not sure as she's missing a forward top hatch) wasnt going to taste it
Would this be a real problem maybe underway or is it something that could be overcome (not overlooked) with a decent bilge pump?
I forgot to mention this boat going cheap as chips on flea bay so don't mind spending a few $$$ to get her ship shape, just want to know if it could be a serious problem down the track.
Any thoughts?
Cheers
Ollie the best answer is maybe. With a missing front hatch plus other possible topside leaks and a few weeks of wet weather the bilge could fill. If it's a hull leak it would probably have kept right on filling... But worst case scenario is hull delamination, maybe loose keel and inconsistent leak when wind and waves get the hull / keel flexing. If it's been there long the water will have caused some damage to woodwork in the photo. Any decent bilge pump would get the bilge clear in five minutes or less.
Yes there is an air of damp, caused only by what I imagine as a boat left to sit for a while and given the amount of rain we had in Sydney last couple of weeks would be pointing my finger at leaky topsides.
Pic is of chain locker that I suspect could be part of the problem,,
I know a bilge pump would pump out in 5mins (probably less) but given the fact this would be my first boat I think I'll continue hunting for a dry boat.
I looked at the pics on eBay. If the water had come in from the hatch, the v berth mattress would have been wet and mildewed on the underside.
In the past when Ive encountered unexpected water in the bilge I put my finger in and taste a bit to see if its salty. You will instantly know if its rainwater or a leaking hull. I've considered the possibility of poisoning myself with germs but never had a problem. I wouldnt do it if I thought it was the head.
Nice little boat but might be a bit cramped for a liveaboard. The photo is of a fixed keel Cole 23 up on the beach at Shoalhaven Heads. The liveaboard was a 73 year old who used the wrong nav programme. We looked after his boat for a few weeks after it was towed off.
