Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

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Fordiesel69

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Sep 18, 2009
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I ended up getting boarded for a saftey check and they recommended me to get a bilge sock. My bilge was dirty and they said if I were to pump it out and they see the sheen on the water, the fine is very heavy. They had me NOT pump it out as a result of it being dirty. Where do I buy one? I searched bilge sock and nothing came up here. I don;t even know what it looks like.

Another question, do you keep it on board and put it into your bilge only when you have a problem / spill, or do you leave it in all the time? Also does it have a lifespan? Whats is more interesting is there is no mention on this device in any book or even on the certification test I had to take.
 
Rocky_Road

Rocky_Road

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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

There is a government grant that gets you one free...here is the website:

http://www.uga.edu/bilgesock/

Happy boating!

11829nn.jpg
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

Ayuh,... Napa carries 'em,... I've got 1 stuffed in the bilge... It soaks up Oil Only, not water...
When it gets Heavy, toss it,+ replace it...
 
F

Fordiesel69

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

I am not asking for a free one. Keeping waters clean is our responsibilty not the government. I just need to know if there is a place to order one online.
 
F

Fordiesel69

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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

Thanks guys. That enviro bond brand seems to rated very high on that one link you provided.

My local NAPA did not even know what I was talking about. They told me to stop down and look thru their catalog. Ok I will be right down!!! NOT!:D:D:D
 
scipper77

scipper77

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Sep 30, 2008
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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

I never even heard of a bilge sock before.

On first impression it seems like any responsible boater should have one. I know I'm going to get one now.
 
ajgraz

ajgraz

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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

I assume that was a lake?

Does that lake have a ban on 2-cycle outboards?
 
F

Fordiesel69

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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

I have also heard that the more serious and more resonsible you look; if / when you get boarded, they are more than likely going to offer suggestions and tips rather than start writing citations. I guess the environmental impact is of top enforcement with these guys it seems.
 
B

BeaufortTJustice

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Oct 8, 2009
Messages
248
Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

I got lucky and found some on clearance at Sportsman's Warehouse at the end of last season. I think I paid $1 each. I have not noticed or searched for them anywhere else, but I would imagine West Marine or Overton's might carry them online, if not our very own iboats website.

Good luck.
 
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Fordiesel69

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Messages
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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

ajgraz said:
I assume that was a lake?

Does that lake have a ban on 2-cycle outboards?
Click to expand...

Yes it was part of Lake Erie. I was actually in the bay at the time. They have not banned 2 strokes yet, and I do not beleive they will anytime soon. At least I have not heard of anything. They do strictly enforce antifreeze release at the ramps and state park, and I beleive they monitor your bilge water as per stated when I was boarded. A sheen from bilge water on an inboard / sterndrive = big fine.
 
ajgraz

ajgraz

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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

Seems nutty to require a bilge sock on IO but not to ban 2-stroke OB...hell, they're designed to spit oil into the water.

I'm shocked that San Diego lakes/reservoirs haven't banned me old 2-stroke yet...not that I ever pay the $20/day fee to use the reservoirs :rolleyes:, I just stick to the (for now, free) bays.
 
H

Home Cookin'

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May 26, 2009
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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

While some oil is unavoidable, and a sock is a good idea for accidents, isn't the larger question, why is there that much petroleum in your bilge?
 
F

Fordiesel69

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Sep 18, 2009
Messages
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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

Home Cookin' said:
While some oil is unavoidable, and a sock is a good idea for accidents, isn't the larger question, why is there that much petroleum in your bilge?
Click to expand...

My fault entirly. I was in a rush (urge) to get out in the water on such a nice day. I have NEVER degreased the bilge, and I do not beleive the previous owners ever did. It was on my list to do and with all things, I did not want to do a quick scrub, but rather do a complete job and get it spotless.

I do not beleive I have any oil leaks, but once I clean it, I should be able to tell better.

I know the po probably changed the oil and let it go into the bilge and then just hosed it out without using degreaser.
 
PitchFork

PitchFork

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May 28, 2009
Messages
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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

I have heard of them and I am planning on getting on as I have a very slow oil leak. I do not lose more than a half a quart the whole season 120 engine hours worth. I have tried to trace it down and I think I may have found but I am not 100% I have.
 
skargo

skargo

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Sep 14, 2008
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Re: Got boarded, need a bilge sock.

I bought a bilge boom recently because I dropped my full oil filter into my bilge. I placed it in, filled my bilge with water, pumped it out(in my driveway) and not a trace of rainbow! Works great, and can be reused over and over. I left it in, even though I have no leaks.
 
Bowser4x4

Bowser4x4

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