Any tricks for getting the last bit of water out of the bilge?

Steve195

Steve195

Member
Jan 15, 2016
314
Richmond, VA
Boat Info
2017 Sweetwater 2286 WB Tri-toon
Engines
Yamaha 150 Outboard
My boat has two coolers under the aft bench seat, they drain into the bilge. It never is enough water to activate the bilge pump via the float, or even pump it out when I turn on the pump manually. It's probably only a few quarts of water, but it bothers me to know my bilge isn't perfectly dry. Does anybody have any good ideas as to how to get that small amount of water out?
 
Get a small shop vac with a long hose. they make smaller ones that work perfect for what you are describing
 
It's a tough battle to fight, but yes the shop vac has been my solution. I also keep a drop of bilge cleaner in the reservoir so the water doesn't get completely nasty.
 
Yeah, that last little bit is tough. There will always be a little left since, as you mentioned, the bilge pump can't get all of it.

Can you reach the garboard drain plug while the boat is on your lift? Maybe add a plank so you can get to it? I've seen many lifts with "catwalks" so owners can get around the boat for maintenance while on the lift.

If not, the shop vac is a good idea. You could also just use one of those super absorbent cloths - lay it down there, wring it out, lay it down there - probably would only take a few times. If you had it on a stick/pole, you wouldn't even need to reach down there.

Or, plug the holes in the cooler and as the ice melts, thoughout the day, just use a cup to scoop the water out a few times over the day. At the end of the day, the coolers will be easier to dry than your bilge.
 
Another vote for the shop vac. I keep a cheap Home Depot "bucket head" shop vac on the boat to deal with just that problem. Also comes in handy to clear thru hulls and such as well.
 
I figured the shop vac was the best solution. Looks like the local Home Depot has a cheapo one in stock for $30, or a cordless one for about $100. That's not a problem, but to me going to Home Depot is like going to Costco. Seems like my "minimum purchase" always ends up being a few hundred bucks. I always find SOMETHING I can't live without! Besides, today is May 6th and I haven't spent a penny on boat stuff this month..........I'm overdue!
 
It's a problem that does have an automatic solution.
http://www.aridbilge.com
2 friends have this device and it does what it claims.
I've spoke to the owner at several different boat shows, nice guy (no, it's not me!).
 
another vote for shop vac. we carry one all the time

we have a dewalt 20 volt that takes dewalt portable tool battery. will plug into 110 or operate on battery.

a little more pricy that conventional but very handy.

with the two dogs it is also nice to do a quick sweep after beaching ect.
 
We have the same issue.

My wife, last time I was complaining about this issue because I wanted to climb down in the bilge to look around and was going to get wet in the process, pointed out a "solution"......

"Stop complaining!", she said, "there's a drain plug right on the bottom....just pull it and let the water run out!"

(She was pointing to the thru-hull transducer.)

It took me a few seconds to realize she wasn't being her usual blonde self....she actually was yanking my chain! But for a moment there I thought she had reached a new level of "Do you know how a blonde......(fill in the joke blank)" thinking!

Anyway, yea, like everybody said......two words.....

Shop. Vac.
 
Some of you boaters are too paranoid.That little bit of water keeps the fiberglass lubricated
without that water the fiberglass will dry out and rot.
 
I changed the pressure relief valve on the hot water tank got some water in some places where it would wick up into the fire or noise material on the plywood. I carry a 1 gal vac on the boat but didn't feel like cleaning it out afterwards. Went to HD purchased one of the drill powered pumps for $8.00 worked great and was able to empty it over the side of the boat.

Just used it to change the oil on a lawn mower worked great.

That Arid Bilge looks like a neat little unit if I needed one.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Drill-Pump-DRP-1/203449537
 
Last edited:
Bt Doctur said:
Some of you boaters are too paranoid.That little bit of water keeps the fiberglass lubricated
without that water the fiberglass will dry out and rot.
Click to expand...

Can you tell us how many gallons are recommended or how close it should be to the starter.:huh:
Just want to make sure I have enough water in the bilge.:smt043

Always like your humor BT
 
I usually have enough water to cover the impeller in the Rule Bilge pump.Dont want that plastic impeller getting brittle.
I love this website
 
Well, I am very late posting to this probably already resolved concern! But in case, I add my ditto to those suggesting a small 'shop vac' solution. I keep an approx. 4 gallon brand-x unit on the dock the year round. It will suck and blow. We use it to drain boat bilge if necessary, and the canoe, kayak, pedal boat when rain water catches them upright. It could also be used to pump out the head, but haven't yet. The blower feature is used to raise the jet skis on their hydro hoist lifts and inflate water toys. A good $3.50 spent at a neighbor's yard sale.
 
Just a thought.......the electric motor/brushes of a shop vac are not ignition protected. Is it really a good idea to remove the last bit of water using a shop vac with the possibility of gas fumes being present???? I don't have the answer - just asking.
 
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