I recently developed a leak on the bottom of the starboard muffler riser, where it connects to the 4 inch hose leading to the stern of the boat. Appears to be leaking through some cracks on the underside of the muffler. The bilge pump comes on every or hour or two for about 30 seconds to pump out incoming water.
I have the following questions:
Is there a way to patch, the muffler to get through the boating season? The muffler appears to be cast-iron.
Are replacement mufflers available anywhere?
If I can remove it, can it be welded?
Considering the large 4 inch hoses with hose clamps overlap the flange on the muffler, how do to get it apart? Does the engine need to be moved forward? Seems like a lot of work to do that just to remove the muffler.
Is there a fiberglass muffler alternative that I should consider?
Can the muffler replacement done safely while in the water if I plug the rear exhaust?
I have had Centek fabricate new mufflers with an exterior shape very similar to the old cast iron chris craft ones so they'd mount similarly.