www.iFourWinns.com

Was giving the boat a good cleaning on Sunday and placed the hose inside the bilge area and let it run a few seconds. The water coming out the transom, at the drain pluge had gas mixed with the water.

Is this normal for a new boat with the dealer and shop working on it before I took delivery and since I hadn't really flushed that area out before Sunday, it all came out at once? Or do I have a leak in the gas tank?

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2007 200 Horizon- 4.3GXi/SX 225hp
2007 Tahoe LT

I would take it stright to the dealer and have them check it out....that can be very dangerous.... you can't be too careful with this sort of thing.

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Guns kill people like spoons make people fat.
2007 Horizon 190 Gxi
97 Pathfinder SE 4x4
73 International Scout II

Absolutely play this one as though it's worst-case. This is how boats blow up.

It's always possible that it was just some spillage during initial rigging or maintenance, but it's also possible (maybe even more likely) that a hose clamp somewhere is loose, a hose got cut accidentally, etc. You do NOT want to take chances on this.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Md, you say that there's gas mixed with the water. Are you smelling gas, or just noticing a rainbow effect in the water? Gas, oil and some cleaning agents all have the smae 'slick-like' effect on water. Now that you've rinsed, and are likely to not drag it the 15 miles to your Dealer tonight, do a sniff test of the bilge in the morning. You'll know if you have even a slight gas leak. I agree with what the others have posted, and if you had a strong gas smell, I'd even suggest that you have the dealer send someone out to you, but noticing gas like effects in the water from a bilge rinse can be something else entirely.

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Either way, I think I'd take Mike's advice. Even if it were out of warranty.

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX

Thanks everyone. Will be going to check on the boat tomorrow evening, I am meeting time with Chevy to get my TB valued to be put on a Tahoe. So I'll let you know how that goes.

Called the dealer and they said they would send someone to the house if there is a gas smell.

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2007 200 Horizon- 4.3GXi/SX 225hp
2007 Tahoe LT

Yeah, if it's actually gas you saw/smell, and not just residue from other chemicals then you really want to get it fixed ASAP. The biggest risk is from fumes building up inside a closed space, so make sure it stays vented if there's actually gasoline leaking.

Get a couple of the absorbent pads designed for fuel (west marine's got 'em) and leave them positioned to soak up any gas that might be leaking. Like where the fuel line meets the engine, filters or under the edge of the tank. I always keep a couple of these on-hand (sealed in a ziploc) in the event something like this happens.

And, of course, do NOT run anything electrical that could cause a spark if you smell gasoline fumes. If it's well vented (aka an open hatch) you're reasonably safe.

I kinda agree with Jim_R on this one, but certainly investigate further for safety. If you don't smell gas, it just may be any one of another 100 chemicals that could leave a rainbow sheen on the water. From plastic mold release agents left on new plastic parts, to a drop of oil or grease, there are lots of things in the bilge area that could cause that slick. It doesn't take much!

The reason that i say this, is that if it were gas, I am sure you would notice by smell, as it only takes a few drops in an enclosed area to make a stink. Now, I think playing on the side of caution is the right thing to do, but don't get to worried just yet, especially if you can't smell fuel. Have a good look around and smell around!

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2009 H180 w/3.0 Merc
Homebuilt Minimax Hydro
2011 Zodiac Cadet 310

Update?

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Sorry, been in MI on business.

What I was told is the gas tank is okay, and all they could think was that some might have gotten in during the testing stage. Everything was joined and sealed correctly and the tank was firmly in place. They said to keep an eye out. Going out this weekend so will be washing it Friday, will be doign a double look then.

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2007 200 Horizon- 4.3GXi/SX 225hp
2007 Tahoe LT

Do LOTS of sniff tests for the next several outings to be sure.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic