Gizmo

When checking for leaks around the drives, be sure to turn the steering wheel lock to lock in both directions and raise the drives. I have seen u-joint bellows leak only when they are in the right position.
Another problem I have experienced is, the drain holes in the bulkheads have gotten plugged with junk and wouldn't drain. my .02

InXS

I agree that you can get water in the bilge with the suggestions in posts
8,9,10, & 11. However, MiamiVice is saying its coming from a forward area of the boat (v-berth porta potti storage space and the cabin step compartment).

I had a '93 35' Fountain with two sinks in the cabin. One in a closet on the starboard side and one out in the open next to a cooler compartment on the port side. On my 35', the closet is also where the porta potti is kept. I'm not sure in a 32' where the porta potti is kept.

Point being -- if the cooler is used, it drains into the bilge thru a drain hose. If you use the sink(s), if any of the sink hose(s) become loose, they could drain into the floor area (like the cabin step) then to the bilge. However, if any of the hose(s) are causing this, the cabin carpet should be a little damp also.

Not sure if this helps, but just another thought.

BUIZILLA

M-Vice, was it salt or fresh water you found?? prolly salt if you overnighted for Columbus regatta right? that's BIG leak if it's salt...

JH

Scott

I hate to be MR. obvious could it be water from the bilge area described above then when its on the trailer runs forward do to the angle.

US1 Fountain

My '99 32' leaked bad at the rear rubrail when I 1st bought it last yr. Pumps kicked on ever few minutes. Removed the rubrail and cleaned out the old sealer and then resealed the joint with 5200. Not a drop now. This is when just sitting. The blower vents are another source on the '98 on up for when coming off plane or when floating in rough water.
I also got water in the cabin step. On my boat, the forward pump is located in here. Water would splash in the thru hull discharge fitting since it was just above the wayter line and back flow thru the pump. Since it would take quite a bit of water before the float would activate and also the pump can't suck all of it out, water was always in there. I simply removed the pump and plugged the discharge hose since there was absolutley no reason for water to get inside the cabin. Not a drop since. I also ran a drain hose from the cooler drain, between the gas tank and floor bottom, and ran it into the engine compartment thru one of the drain holes in the rear bulkhead to be drained out when the boat is on the lift in case I ever decide to actually fill the cooler with ice. Something about draining water into the hull bottom just doesn't sit well with me. All in all, bone dry even in the roughest water conditions now. Considering how low the 32's sit in the rear, MAJOR accomplishment.

US1 Fountain

Are you also getting water in the 3 compartments under the bed?

MiamiVice

Thanks for all the ideas. It is salt water I found in the forward compartments, I do think it flowed forward when I put it on the trailer. I don't know if I have any pump in the front, I only see the two under the motors. Still I am puzzled on how the water gets inside anyway. I am going to make sure everything is dry, replace both pumps, check the discharge tubes to make sure that their not blocked and install a back flow check valve in the line. I also will put it in the water while on the trailer to see if I can find where the water is coming in at. And yes I did see signs of water under the bed compartments. Also I did not hit bottom or have any damage anywhere on the hull.

hillbilly24

When you back it in the water on the trailer take a look at the steering shaft seals they are a commonly overlooked area for water leaks. Also if you have silent choice exhuast look around the y-pipe to transom plate mating area. It will help alot if you have a smell inspection mirror and a flashlight handy when you do this