Slow leak in boat

[andymoler58]

I have a 1983 Cobalt 18 DV that I bought last fall.

I have a slow leak coming in somewhere towards back of boat.

When it sits overnight , the water can get kind of high

I’m thinking I can stick the bilge pump back there and that might solve it

Otherwise I think it might be the rubber boot around the engine

Any ideas would be appreciated

[AsLan7]

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When was the last time you replaced or had your bellows inspected? There are two or three of them depending on your outdrive configuration.

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[SAB220]

Ditto, Aslan7. Its ages and cracks, and then leaks, its rubber like a accordion. Its not going away and you can't solve it w/ a bilge pump (bad practice anyway) because the crack get bigger the more its worked (steer).
Suggest you find a somebody who works on your brand of out-drive and schedule appointment. You also have a bearing in there that needs inspection. It may be the reason the boat was sold. It can be costly for a 83 boat.

[Big Block Power]

I've seen boats go blub blub blub from your description. The guys are probably correct with what you have going on.

[andymoler58]

I checked the records and it looks like the bellows were replaced in 2020, s

What kind of bearing is in there? Could that be where the leak is coming from? What about the boot that goes around the out drive?

Could that be the issue?

[tomace13]

I checked the records and it looks like the bellows were replaced in 2020, s

What kind of bearing is in there? Could that be where the leak is coming from? What about the boot that goes around the out drive?

Could that be the issue?

Shouldn’t be bad after 2 years, but you need to pull it out of the water and get them inspected. If they’re leaking you’re at best risking your u-joints and transom, and at worst sinking your boat.

[SAB220]

The bearing does not leak ....there's a gimbal bearing that needs lubrication and all that is done when the outdrive is serviced (benefit). What areas of your boat are below the waterline? That's were the leak is coming from. Could the boat plug be stripped/loose or some other fitting (seal) below the the waterline, of course it could, but sitting in this chair 90% of the time we think (experience) the leak is coming from the outdrive. Now its your decision. good luck