Whats the best way to locate a leak?

[66KingFisher]

Well, it seems we've developed a leak in our little Basstracker.....until recently, when we pulled the drain plug it was always bone dry, but suddenly we've been taking on water...not a lot, but enough to cause concern. We've raised the boat off the trailer and looked all around the hull and found nothing...no damage other then some very minor scuffing and scratches non of which appear to be deep enough to cause a problem. All the seams are welded so rivets are not an issue, and other then the inlets to the livewell and the drain plug itself there doesn't seem to be anywhere for water to get in. At this time I think our next move is to remove the front deck area that will allow us to see the plumbing going to the livewell and pump to see if something there has come loose, but otherwise we are at a loss as to where to check next or what might be the best way to find the leak...Put the plug in and fill the boat with water and see if any leaks out is all we can think of....Any other suggestions guys?

[nobass]

fill up with water while on trailer will let you know . my boat is welded but i had a hair line crack where bottom and side meet thats was the only way i could fine

[lilmule]

Try not using livewell when its floating and see if any difference,I busted a hose down below first time out but only incoming when pump turned on,also check motor mount bolts to see if caulking still good lower holes are good for that.

[keithdog]

Originally Posted by nobass

fill up with water while on trailer will let you know . my boat is welded but i had a hair line crack where bottom and side meet thats was the only way i could fine

That's a great idea Don. I wondered why your boat was taking on water when we were fishing together. Great tip.

[MallenManson]

Originally Posted by lilmule

Try not using livewell when its floating and see if any difference,I busted a hose down below first time out but only incoming when pump turned on,also check motor mount bolts to see if caulking still good lower holes are good for that.

I was gonna suggest the opposite.
Run the livewell while on the trailer

[Embrey]

^ yup.....

[Captmikestarrett]

Had a basstracker do the very same thing many years ago. Think it was the second one as the first one I split the hull jumping trees. Anyway it turned out to be the high speed pickup for my fancy new Humminbird throwing water up into the well at high speeds.

Took a friend looking back for his hat to see it splashing in..

Capt Mike

[66KingFisher]

I think we found it.....Appears to be leaking where the livewell pump mounts to the floor....Haven't had time to mess with it yet, but hopefully it just loose or something simple to repair.