Do I need my shower bilge box?

SkiPharmer

Active Member
Jul 27, 2014
282
St. Croix River, MN
Boat Info
2001 Formula 41 Performance Cruiser
Engines
Twin 8.2. Liter Mercruisers Direct Drives
1995 330 Sundancer. We never take showers in it. The pump and/or float need to be replaced. Do I need this if I don’t use the shower? I know the AC condensate pan drains to this as well but how much water actually comes from that? Much appreciated for your help!
 
AC produces enough condensate that you'll constantly have water in there. If you want to get rid of the box (or stop using it), you could install a venturi that pulls condensate out of the tray using the AC discharge line. They can make some noise, but I have a friend who installed one with no regrets.
 
Keep your boat original. The survey will turn up a missing box and you will pay to replace it when you sell. Also sends a bad message to prospective buyers that you cut corners on maintenance.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: JC3
I wouldnt remove it...i would just no replace the pump, when i went to sell it i would replace it.
 
It's not that hard to test and wire up a new pump and or switch so I would keep it.

-Kevin
 
Not to say it's not the pump, but more times than not, it's just the float switch. Those switches don't last too long.
 
On my 330 I used to have to disassemble the box, remove the float switch and clean it about every 2-3 years. It wasn't a huge job, took an hour or so to do it right and didn't cost anything.
 
go with the Witch?Problem is the float seems to be stuck....i cleaned it well and it it still runs the pump.
 
The Water Witch does away with the float completely. It is triggered by water touching the electrodes. Those float switches have a very limited lifespan. It's just too damp an environment.
 
My theory is if everything on my boat should work properly. You do need to keep the sump. As Ron says, the water witch eliminates the moving parts of the float switch.
 
I just replaced the float/pump. Mine was all one assembly. Clean it annually at it will be fine. You can always flush clean water through it occasionally.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,950
Messages
1,422,864
Members
60,932
Latest member
juliediane
Back
Top