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1995 Dauntless 17 with a lean over to starboard - opened the circular hatch on the deck over the gas tank and found water sloshing around in the area - is there a cavity toward starboard where water could be trapped - any advice PLease? what would be the best tool for removal - a cyphon?

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Is your Dauntless a center console or a dual console model?
I had the exact same problem with my 1995 Dual console.
I found a 3/4" pvc pipe that goes from the tank cavity to the aft floor compartment that was packed full of leaves.
Also the utility tunnel drains to the rear starboard side box. If this is plugged it will also fill up and overflow into your tank compartment.
Good Luck,
Carter

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1995 Dauntless 17

Thank you for the response - how did you clear the water and debris?

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I lifted the front of the boat as high as I could. I took a long piece of stiff plastic tubing and fastened it to a garden hose. I first pushed it through that PVC pipe that drains the tank cavity to the aft storage compartment. I think this will be where most of your problem is. If you get it clean all of that water that is on top of your tank should drain to the box. I also cleaned my utility tunnel the same way because if it is plugged it will overflow into the tank cavity.
Good luck,
Carter

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He has a Dual Console model unless it has been heavily modified as Whaler never made a Dauntless 17' with a Center Console.
http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...lbum_id=82

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1995 Dauntless 17

Dual Console

I think you are describing the exact same issue - I will look for the PVC pipe and will have to figure a way to clean these two areas while in the water - the lean is significant

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1995 Dauntless 17 Dual Console

Carter….following your instructions…..however

I have a bilge pump at the bottom of the storage compartment - the wiring for the pump is enclosed in a plastic tubing and passes (snug) through the small opening leading to the tank compartment - it does not allow for water ( in the tank cavity) to flow back to the storage compartment.

there is a plug at the bottom of the storage compartment that just allows bay water to flow inside the storage compartment

how hard is it to remove the deck?

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MSK-1

You are on the right track. My boat also has the pump discharge and wires going to the tank compartment but mine fit loosely inside the pipe. This is where the water will drain out of the tank compartment. This is the only drain you have so you have to get it where water will flow through it. This may be your problem. I have never pulled my deck plate. It looks simple enough but I would count on it being stuck from caulking and dirt and grime from years of use. If I were you that is what I would do next. The problem will reveal itself when you get the deck plate up.
Good Luck
Carter

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If you decide to remove the deck.....when I did mine I used a series of different sized wooden shims driven in a little bit at a time to prevent damage to the deck. Even starting (if I recall) I stayed away from a pry bar.
Garris

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1995 Dauntless 17 Dual Console


couple of questions: could you please provide some additional detail as to the process of removing the deck plate? it looks like screws and a silicon bead/like a liquid gasket how deep does the silicon bead run? did you use the shims because the plate was very difficult to remove? any recommendations as to how to replace the bead line? did you remove the seats first?


thank you