Finally got a slip, no lift yet-bilge question

[gravylegpirate]

So we finally got a slip at our local marina but there is no lift yet and may be a while before one comes available. I don't want to leave her in the water but think we're going to try it. After poking around it seems that most problems arise from gelcoat blisters that form, however, I haven't gotten an answer yet on the bilge pump question.


Will it need to have water pumped out while sitting there? If so, is my bilge pump wired so that the master battery switch won't disable it? How do I check? 2005 SV211 for reference

[Rogue14]

I don't know how your bilge is wired but I can say that I have owned a 2007 SV211 since new. We leave our boat floating in the lake at our dock from mid-June until mid-September. It's a relatively short season for us. Still some ice on the lake right now:

https://tv.ivideon.com/camera/100-xn...rCC/0/?lang=en

What I can say is that I do NOT leave my bilge on when we leave. My pumps are the type that check for water frequently and turn off if the resistance indicates there is no water to pump. But with that constant checking, I've always been worried the battery will be dead when I return. When I first put the boat in I triple check that there are no leaks and I always get all the water out of the bilge before I leave using a super soaker and then a rag. It is always bone dry when I return. I do be sure to prop up the cover so if it rains it will run off. But if cover is on right and plug and other holes are not leaking, I have not needed the bilge to be on, at least not yet.

As for gel coat blisters, I had heard of this problem too. It seems to be controversial as to the cause. I've had no issues at all.

[greggmck]

While on the trailer tilt the boat so water pools near the bilge pump. Turn off the master switch and add water into the bilge with a garden hose. If the bilge pump switches on you have a definite answer. Don't trust anyone or anything else. Here's how it could turn out if you are wrong.
BTW, this boat sank in our marina because of a leak in a ballast hose. It did not have auto closing valves.

Finally if you are away for an extended period, close off any ballast pump or fresh water inlet valves to prevent leaks there from sinking your boat.

[shag]

What Gregmck says is spot on. You may go for years with no problem... But all it takes is one time, like a hose failure, or a bad storm that maybe dislodges your cover, and you could have a very expensive situation. If you are concerned about a batteries being dead, then bring an extra battery along if you'll be away for an extended time. You may even be able to rig up a small solar panel to at least trickle charge - but I would be sure it is a charger that 'maintains' or shuts off when full.

[gravylegpirate]

Thanks all, I like the idea of the solar panel trickle charger. Will have to look into that. I'll try the garden hose into the bilge test, seems so easy, yet I was stumped as to how to check it! Our plan is to ceramic coat it then bring her home every couple of weeks for cleaning.

[greggmck]

If you plan to get a lift there should be power at your slip. Why not install a marine battery tender?
The sun doesn't always shine.

[shag]

If you plan to get a lift there should be power at your slip. Why not install a marine battery tender?
The sun doesn't always shine.

You're right #greggmck! I am in central fla and we have sun most days... My oversight... lol

[greggmck]

Not something we are accustomed to in Seattle

[MN Ryan]

If so, is my bilge pump wired so that the master battery switch won't disable it? How do I check? 2005 SV211 for reference

Do you have one of these ALL ON / ALL OFF / BILGE PUMP ON switches? My '07 SV211 does. If so, put the switch to BILGE PUMP ON and pour some water into the bilge to test it.

[srock]

If I was not using the boat for a couple weeks at a time I would pull it just to keep the growth off the bottom. I don't think I would sleep well with anything except a self-bailing boat. I would assume you have shore power so a battery tender on dual batteries would be the ticket if not add a solar charger. I always add a second independent pump to my boats. After 35 years it has paid off on a couple of occasions.

[jkallen21]

My master battery switch DOES disable the bilge pump.