Water toys - How long does you bilge run?

[mrtopknight]

I had five (5) people on the boat for five (5) hours. We all swam twice and each rode the tube and got soaked. When I was on my way in I hit the bilge and it ran for about 1 minute. Does this seem normal? The first two (2) hours the boat was in the water we stayed in the boat and I also hit the bilge then and it was dry.

 

[chuck1]

Did you bring the tube into the boat between rides? Tubes hold a bunch of water and it always ends up in the boat :smt089 If you did not , it sounds like a lot of water to me in the bilge :smt017

 

[mrtopknight]

I did bring the tube in and out, and at one point I bet a quart of water spilled from the tube.

If I had to guess the bilge probably pumped out 1-1/2 - 2 gallons. I just had it in the shop for a leaking plug and they let it sit in the water for hours after the repair and said it stayed bone dry. I just can not believe that 5 people can bring on that much water. :smt017

 

[chuck1]

The first two (2) hours the boat was in the water we stayed in the boat and I also hit the bilge then and it was dry.

Were you stopping and going for the 1st hours like you would be when tubing? If it is a plug leak would not got that much when you are running. I remember an old boat we had years ago you would pull the plug from the inside when running to get the water out, but you had better get it back in before you stopped.
The quart of water is not that much for a tube. I've had a half gallon or so some times come out of it.

 

[Dave S]

That sounds like way too much water to me. Even if your tube is still wet I doubt it will hold that much water.

 

[BrentJones]

I agree, a minute and a half sounds like a long time for your bilge pump to run. Really the only time my bilge pump runs is if it rains while were out.

 

[mrtopknight]

Were you stopping and going for the 1st hours like you would be when tubing?

No, we drove about ten munutes to an island had a BBQ, ate, swam, etc... for about 2 hrs. the boat was anchored just off the island. When I was ready to go I ran the bilge and nothing came out.

This was my second trip since the repair. The first trip it rained really bad and water had to be pumped due to the rain. This was the second trip and we went tubing.

 

[Gunn]

You may want to consider adding a float to your bilge so that your pump will automatically kick on when necessary.

Somewhere on my boat I have a very small leak. Always have some water getting into the bilge, especially more when we tube. I plan on figuring it out soon and fixing it this winter. But in any case, the auto-switch is nice to have.

 

[chuck1]

Since you have it on a trailer have you thought about parking it some where (Dry) and filling the bilge area with water from a hose and seeing if you can see any water after say a day or so? Just a thought. :smt017
May just give you piece of mind that you don't have any pin holes or leaks around the plug. Have they checked the out-drive you are putting a strain on it towing?

 

[mrtopknight]

I already have a float switch that does work but did not even come on sice the water did not stage that high.

How would outdrive strain cause a leak?

 

[chuck1]

I was thinking the seal where it bolts to the transom. :smt017

 

[mrtopknight]

Oh... I would hope everthing is ok there

 

[Dave S]

The next time you launch check out everything as thoroughly as possible to see if you can spot a leak. Especially check the transom area around the outdrive, the drain plug (again) and the transducer. If it looks dry, then run the boat for awhile and check again. If it's still dry after all that then it could indeed have been your tube. If it's wet and you can't find the source of the leak, then I would let the dealer have a look at it.

 

[240 Sundeck]

Sounds like it might be happening while underway. I would have someone drive while looking at the hoses and everything else you can see. I try to tightened or check the hoses once a year. :thumbsup: Was there a problem with your plug?

BTW-good to see everyone. :grin:

 

[Searay Jim]

I'm going to be the conservative one one this. :grin: With that many people on and off, tube on and off etc. if everything drains to the bilge, 1-2 gallons of water isn't that much and would be normal.

I get a little water in mine with kids coming and going etc. and I have a few drains that go overboard.

If you're concerned though, there are some good suggestions for checking for leaks. Don't overlook the simple things like a plug that's got debris in the threads or otherwise not snugged up. If it's underway, look at the water pump (recirc pump) and hoses. Water pumps sometimes weap a little bit but could be leaking more. Also drain plugs in the block and manifolds.

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

Water sports get a lot more water into the boat than you might think. Make sure your drain plug is more than hand tight, even a couple of turns do make a difference. :smt017