In search of a good idea

[shogun95]

I have a 2011 240 sundeck. When using the built in cooler under the step thru area to the swim platform the ice melts and drains directly into the bilge leaving an always wet bilge since the pump can never pump it out dry. I currently have a 2L jug under the drain hose but inevitably it will overflow into the bilge leaving water in the bilge. Does anyone have a better idea of how to keep the bilge dry except for not using that built in cooler? I can't believe Sea Ray designed it that way. Why would you ever drain water into the bilge intentionally? I pulled the drain plug yesterday and drained out probabably 2 gallons. Pulling the plug is not an option everytime since the boat is kept in a boat hotel and I can not ask the forklift to stop and let me drain it everytime. Other than this, I love the boat and design.

 

[Captain_Ron]

could always add plugs to the cooler so it would only drain when you can pull the plug other than that theres really no good way besides not using the cooler you should always be pulling your plug after you take it out anyway you dont want to leave any water just sitting in there ...causes more problems

 

[Pyrojodge]

Be a little work but what about adding an enclosed sump box for the cooler to drain into then be pumped overboard?

 

[alwhite00]

Could you just add another thru-hull to the cooler drain? On my boat that is how it is from factory.

LK

 

[kaz911]

on all the smaller Sea Rays water drains into the bilge directly. Wet storage area, Pop up cleats - anchor locker and so on - drops the water in the bilge. What happens when you wash the boat? does it go into the bilge?

You can get a one way valve and put it on the bilge pump - that will keep the water in the hose and not "reflood" your bilge when bilge pump is turned off.

 

[shogun95]

I appreciate all the ideas. Thank you. I think I'll start with a plug in the cooler drain and go from there.

 

[denwatson]

I had the same problem on my 07 240SD with the bow cooler. It drains directly into anchor locker and subsequently winds up in the bilge. I toyed with the idea of installing a thru hull drain but could not bring myself to drill the hole in the hull. So I plugged the drain hole with a cork(removable) and purchased an Attwood battery powered pump from West Marine(Mod 447235, Man 4140-4) for $49.95. It's called the Water Buster and works great. It will take the water level down below one inch in the cooler then you have the choice of sponging it out or pulling the plug. I did a post on this I think in 2010, you might try to find it for the photo.