When do you use your bilge switch?

[trevortoronto]

I just took possesion of a 1993 27 ft regal cabin cruiser and am trying to figure out when you use the bilge switch. Is it everytime you dock? when under power? Every x number of hours under power? any wisdom much appreciated.....

 

[flashback]

Re: When do you use your bilge switch?

do you know what a bilge is?

 

[trevortoronto]

Re: When do you use your bilge switch?

A place low down in the boat where water accumulates?

 

[PAkev]

Re: When do you use your bilge switch?

Trevor,<br /><br />Welcome to the board!<br /><br />Ideally, your bilge pump will be wired into a float switch that automatically kicks on when water accumulates to a certain point in the bilge. This also enables your bilge to be pumped automatically if your bilge takes on water through the deck during rainy weather.<br /><br />Although water in the bilge area is normal, excessive water is not a good sign and should require a better look to identify how the water is getting in.<br /><br />Once you become very familiar with the boat, you should be able to feel when the bilge has taken on enough water to be pumped. Often times you will notice a loss of performance with planing and trim problems as your boat sits lower in the water and therefore creating greater friction.<br /><br />My .02 worth<br /><br />Kevin

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: When do you use your bilge switch?

Hi Trevor,<br /><br />Their are (should be) 2 pumps in your bilge, one pumps air and the other pumps water. Kevin covered water. The one that pumps air is the 'bilge blower'. It'll get rid of any fumes from the lowest part of your boat (the bilge).<br /><br />Run it before every start up for at least 4 minutes. Its designed to evacuate any fuel vapor so as to avoid an explosion. Use common sense, if you suspect a fuel leak, don't start the motor or operate anything electrical. The bilge blower is spark protected - it won't ignite fumes. Lastly - use your nose, its the best fume detector. Every time I operate my blower I stick my nose in front of the vent, only takes a couple of seconds for peace of mind.<br /><br />P.S. Some people use their bilge blowers to help keep the engine compartment cool.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: When do you use your bilge switch?

Me again, you might want to edit your "Cananda" profile.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[flashback]

Re: When do you use your bilge switch?

Trevor, you got a lot of good info here, I would like to add that in many cases the bilge pump switch has 3 positions: off, manual, automatic. be careful you don't leave it in the manual mode and run it dry for long periods of time...Also you might want to pick up a copy of "Chapman's seamanship and small boat handling" It will help you understand your boat...

 

[trevortoronto]

Re: When do you use your bilge switch?

Excellent suggestions and many thanks. Now if only my kids were half as helpfull as the people on this board.....