Bilge pump

T

Thales14

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 8, 2012
Messages
34
What is a bilge pump and what does it do?
Pardon my ignorance, love this forum for all te resource of helpful information to learn.
Any information is appreciated.
 
M

m.qualls89

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 4, 2012
Messages
133
Re: Bilge pump

A bilge pump is a pump located in the bilge (under the floor of your boat) that when turned on will pump out water that has somehow found its way into your bilge. It can be a life saver if you develop a leak as i did when i found out my transom was rotten.
 
Fireman431

Fireman431

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 17, 2007
Messages
4,292
Re: Bilge pump

To add...it should be mated with a float switch and should be both automatically and manually operated.
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,762
Re: Bilge pump

Automatic operation is not so much of an issue unless the boat is kept in the water. You want the pump to operate should the boat take on water when you aren't around. Without this feature you could find your boat submerged upon your return.
 
H

Home Cookin'

Fleet Admiral
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
9,715
Re: Bilge pump

not all boats have them--but most should!

And a float switch on a boat that is not moored is still useful, for often you don;t know that your bilge has water in it. My switch on one boat has a red light that comes on either when the switch is on (so you won't leave it on accidentally) and also when the pump comes on, to alert you that it's pumping.
 
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