Alarming Bilge

D

Davey

New Member
Mar 17, 2008
23
Gold Coast Australia
Another newbe question. I have recently purchased a 2008 175, Alpha 1, 3.0 Mercruiser. For some stupid reason (no doubt cost :smt038 ) the 175s are sold with only a manual bilge pump. I’m worried that the engine compartment could flood without me knowing about it until after damage is done, whether from something I do wrong (eg forgotten bung). Likewise, it’s a bow rider so presumably in rough waters it could take spray/occasional waves over the front which would find its way to the bilge through the floor storage locker.

Do Sea Rays leak? Am I being paranoid? If a bilge alarm or auto switch is suggested, can anyone recommend a good brand? I was thinking maybe order the auto bilge float switch & 3 way dash switch (off, on, auto) from the parts manual for say a 185?

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
 
An auto bilge w/float should be sufficient. No need to go running extra wires/switch, IMO.
 
I would add a float switch to your current bilge pump. Add the type that is enclosed in a case/shell to keep debris out.

If you're taking waves (not spray) over the bow then I think you have bigger things to worry about. ;o)

Any boat can leak water, but any leak is not normal.

If you want to go a step further, Rule offers a switch with alarm that is easy to install. This in addition to the float switch for the bilge pump. This one you install higher, at the point where you want to hear a buzzer if water is rising. You want it higher than the primary float switch; not too low to come one with "normal" amounts of water and not too high to come on at too late a point.

Esteban
 
Davey said:
Another newbe question. I have recently purchased a 2008 175, Alpha 1, 3.0 Mercruiser. For some stupid reason (no doubt cost :smt038 ) the 175s are sold with only a manual bilge pump. I’m worried that the engine compartment could flood without me knowing about it until after damage is done, whether from something I do wrong (eg forgotten bung). Likewise, it’s a bow rider so presumably in rough waters it could take spray/occasional waves over the front which would find its way to the bilge through the floor storage locker.

Do Sea Rays leak? Am I being paranoid? If a bilge alarm or auto switch is suggested, can anyone recommend a good brand? I was thinking maybe order the auto bilge float switch & 3 way dash switch (off, on, auto) from the parts manual for say a 185?

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

You have the Manual pump(hand pump) correct?
There is currently no automatic electric pump?
If not, look to wire in a "Rule 1000GPH" with Float switch.
Wire it directly to the battery so that if you're in your boat and turn off the Battery switch (if equipped) you still have automatic pumping in case of minor leaks, excessive rains and a wave over the bow. You should also, however, wire in a switch at the dash that can also turn on the pump if you want to.
 
Please ignore my previous post. I didn't hear him mention that he only had a manual pump.

Sorry!
 
Davey said:
Likewise, it’s a bow rider so presumably in rough waters it could take spray/occasional waves over the front which would find its way to the bilge through the floor storage locker.
Click to expand...

The likelihood of enough spray or splashed water getting in the bilge to be a problem is pretty small. You're over-thinking the potential of a problem, it's just not there. By the time you had THAT much water you'd already be crapping your pants from the storm sea conditions.

That said, adding an automatic, float-switch operated pump is well worth doing. It's a relatively easy and cheap job. Just make sure that you wire it properly. Most pull a direct line (with it's own fuse, of course) off the battery; not through a breaker or the battery switch. This is to make sure the pump will be able to operate regardless of a person's actions.
 
If this is obvious, please don't take offense. As I recall from the Boat US series on "why boats sink", one of the reasons given was faulty bilge pump wiring because of non waterproof connectors and wire runs that were below the 'waterline' of the bilge.

Heat shrink connectors & di-electric grease are all worth the additional expense.

Henry
 
Thanks for the tips, I really appreciate everyone's experience who replies on this forum. I plan to leave the factory manual switch and wiring alone (with the following exception) and run another wire from the battery via the float switch to the bilge pump. I think this plan should mean that the pump would continue to work off the factory dash switch when manually switched on and also if the float switch is activated automatically by excess water.

Tip re fuse & waterproofing the wiring noted.
 
Last edited:
The auto float switch in my boat activated only once last season. That was due to me intentionally flooding the bilge with a garden hose to clean it and test the switch prior to winter lay-up. I have never had enough water in the bilge to actually have the auto switch activate, even after several adults and kids swimming and skiing all day. If the boat is moored in the water for extended periods, then I can see the necessity of the float switch. My previous boats never had auto float switches and I've never had problems with a flooded bilge. Davey, if you've got "green water" coming over the bow of your 175, you have bigger problems then just a flooded bilge. You should avoid those types of conditions at all costs. A fix to forgetting the drain plug is to establish your pre-launch routine and stick to it.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,282
Messages
1,429,959
Members
61,150
Latest member
Wonderball2Swilm
Back
Top