Wet Compartments

Green_Monster · May 30, 2019, 09:07:01 AM

I have a Nitro 482 with a custom nitro boat cover. I do not know why but whether the cover is on or off the boat when we get rain the middle compartment always seems to get wet. the plug can be out and it makes no difference. I thought that the way a bass boat was built was to keep the water out of the compartments. Has anyone else had issues with wet compartments and how did you fix the issue? Appreciate the help all!

Mike Cork · May 30, 2019, 09:41:38 AM

Just so I'm clear. The compartments can be dry. Then rain is coming so you cover the boat and the compartment gets wet anyway? And only the center compartment?

Green_Monster · May 30, 2019, 09:51:29 AM

Yes the compartments can be all dry and I will cover the boat and we will get a few days of rain or a real heavy rain and when I uncover the boat and open the middle compartment the carpet in the bottom of it is soaked. The road lockers are a little wet as well but the middle compartment seems to always be the worst.

Mike Cork · May 30, 2019, 10:01:11 AM

That's just crazy. Next question does the boat sit nose up or nose down in it's parking location?

Most of us keep our boats on a level or fairly level parking spot but when you take it off the truck the tongue is raised so the boat is actually sitting nose up. However if you have a drive way that is uphill from the road and you back the boat in, then the nose is way down that can make a difference as to where the leak is.

apenland01 · May 30, 2019, 10:10:44 AM

Happens to my Ranger. It has a couple of low spots, one in front of the console and the second is behind the seats. When it rains, the weight of the water causes the cover to droop and I get pooling of water that seeps through the cover and drains straight over my l compartments.

Walmart or online has a PVC kit that you put into your boat that eliminates the low spots and gives your cover a mountain shape, so all the water just rolls off of it. $15 easy fix. You could make your own if you don't like the style of the kit. Just glue some PVC to make a little stand to raise your cover, so there's no low spots.

Green_Monster · May 30, 2019, 10:12:52 AM

Always crank it so the nose is up. apenland01 could be on to something. I will look when the cover is on again and see if I have low spots. Never thought of that but good call!

Mike Cork · May 30, 2019, 10:20:54 AM

Please keep us posted

Bassinkorea · May 30, 2019, 07:58:35 PM

Could it be moisture from in the boat carpet from fishing, then when you put the cover, and it rains causing more humidity? Both of my boat covers seem to trap moisture inside the cover and I get some wetness in the compartments.

Green_Monster · May 31, 2019, 05:14:43 AM

I have wondered that as well myself. On my boat it is very odd but the trolling motor batteries are located behind the middle compartment. They always seem to have moisture on them whenever I have checked them. Other bass boats I have see all have the batteries for everything in a compartment at the back of the boat just in front of the main engine. I am going to try to pop the cover up in the low spots and see if that helps and then pull it back some when sunny out to allow air in so that if there is a "pressure cooker" effect happening then I can try to minimize it.

Princeton_Man · May 31, 2019, 07:00:10 AM

I think BK might be spot on.

If the compartments have drain holes, that would also allow moisture in and like you suggest the pressure cooker or maybe percolator effect is at work. I'd be a bit concerned if there's that much moisture being held in the hull all the time.

Green_Monster · May 31, 2019, 07:03:30 AM

It is definitely a concern and one I hope to get to the bottom of! Thanks all for the input!