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Cabo 35’ water intrusion

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Cabo35’RI, Sep 17, 2026 at 9:18 PM.

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  1. Cabo35’RI, Sep 17, 2026 at 9:18 PM
    #1
    Cabo35’RI

    Cabo35’RI New Member

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    Location:
    Watch Hill RI
    I have 2002 35’ Cabo Express. Having sea water intrusion only when underway. Nothing at the slip. New dripless shaft seals, new rudder shaft seals. Bellows on mufflers not leaking. Thru hulls & seacocks appear ok. No intrusion in the engine room or forward bilge area. Appears to be coming from aft area and will migrate to engine room when coming off plane. On a typical 4-6 outing I get about 3-4 gallons. Had my diesel mechanic on board for 2 hours underway and we are stumped. Help!!!!
  2. MBY, Sep 17, 2026 at 10:24 PM
    #2
    MBY

    MBY Senior Member

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    Location:
    Newport Beach, CA
    Pull the fishboxes and go do another run. Could be a leak on one of the bellows perhaps
    Capt Ralph likes this.
  3. Capt Ralph, Sep 17, 2026 at 10:33 PM
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    In another site I was trying to offer;
    Water coming the engine room vents and not draining out properly.

    I think MBY has a better idea than mine.
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2026 at 10:39 PM
  4. Cabo35’RI, Sep 18, 2026 at 9:56 AM
    #4
    Cabo35’RI

    Cabo35’RI New Member

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    Watch Hill RI
    MBY & Capt Ralph… thanks!

    I did pull both fish boxes and ran her. There was a very small leak on the port side bellows that enters the muffler. Was about 1 drip every 30 seconds and not sure that would equate to 3-4 gallons for about 6 hours of running. Unfortunately didn’t have a 5/16 Allen wrench on board but did tighten it back at the dock.
    Water seems to be accumulating in the aft compartment when on half plane.
  5. MBY, Sep 18, 2026 at 10:24 AM
    #5
    MBY

    MBY Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Id have to go back and ask the guys that would remember but there could be a chance that you have a leak in the engine room, water is getting under the engine room liner and when you start running it flows aft into the aft bilge. At rest you wouldn't notice anything in the engine room but underway you would. I can't remember if the bottom of the engine room liner was sealed aft I believe it was but again its been 20 years since I saw a 35 before the tanks went in