Water leaking into bildge - no idea where from. 1999 Malibu Response Lx

[tassaly81]

HELP!!  We have a slow leak into our bidge (1999 Malibu Response Lx) and cannot, for the life of us, figure out where it is comming from.

Water is entering (from somewhere) into the cavity between the bilge and the hull (see images below)

I have inspected the hull (after pulling up and off the trailer with our sling hoist) and noticed the water temp sensor cable (as it enters the hull) may have been the issue.  I sealed it up but apparently it did not fix the issue.  It seems to have slowed it, but still has water coming in.  Nothing seems to be comming in through the prop shaft enterance / compartment, rudder box, etc.  Center plug and rear plug are tight and sealed. Also confirmed - no water leaks from the engine into the bilge. 

Is there any other place I am missing where water might be comming into the cavity between the hull and the bilge?

 

[UWSkier]

It's either coming through a tracking fin (though probably not if you inspected), or more likely, the HDS box (between your mufflers).  If you take that box lid off, I'm betting there's a crack between the box (part of the bilge liner) and the hull.  Very very common failure point on these boats.  Go to Google and search "HDS repair themalibucrew" and see all the threads.

Edited June 17, 2021 by UWSkier

[tassaly81]

Ok sounds good - I will check that out.  Thanks a million!!!