240 Sundeck bilge water

[denwatson]

I have just purchased an '07 240 SD and I am curious about the amount of water draining into the bilge(anchor locker, bow ice chest, drink holders, cockpit drains). Seems like water is always present in the bilge but not deep enough to pump out. We use the bow ice chest daily when we are out and that's a couple of gallons at least. The two debris collection pockets are always wet. The question is: any problems with mildew etc. from this moisture? I thought of draining the bow ice chest overboard, even bought the parts but couldn't bring myself to polk the hole in the bow. Thanks.

 

[Lazy Daze]

You might get some if it stays closed up for a long enough period of time. But, if you store the boat with the bow higher than the stern, most will drain out. There will still be some water in the ski lockers because the drain is slightly above the bottom of the locker floor. Some may stay in the bilge. That's all pretty normal, though, and usually there aren't problems.

If you're worried about it you could poor a small solution of bleach/water through the various areas every so often and let it set. Probably no stronger than a 4:1 solution will be sufficient (maybe not even that strong).

When possible, leave compartments open for air circulation.

 

[chuck1]

I never use the built in bow ice chest with ice, only ice packs if I need to keep it cold. Purchase a small vacuum to keep on board and just vacuum it the storage areas and the small amount in the bilge. I also made a small board cover for the back of the large locker.

 

[denwatson]

Hi Chuck,

Not sure what a small board cover is for cockpit large locker. I have a 7/8" stopper for the drain there but what does the board cover do?

 

[denwatson]

Dennis, bleach solution is a great idea. Put some at the top of the slope and let is mosey all the way down. Would help bleach any staining in the lockers and control mildew problems too. Thanks.

 

[chuck1]

Dennis,
The board cover goes over the small drain catcher area in the back of the locker. I assume your drain pipe is like all the others it is about a inch or so above the bottom of the locker. Because of this you will always have water sitting in the back of the locker. With out the board cover your lines or equipment will end up sitting in water. I think there I got a pictures some place on in the 240 thread about it.
Chuck

 

[denwatson]

OK gotcha good idea.

Dennis

 

[avguy]

We always have a little water in the bilge from the coolers & such. As Dennis said, keep the plug out & the bow elevated. I also open all the hatches before covering up the boat. Haven't had any moisture issues at all.