Question: What is a bilge pump? what is it for?

(Posted by: awesomesauce alan on 2009-02-21 06:40:09)

We just bought a boat haha and we know nothing about them and there is this switch on the dash that says "bilge pump " what is it? what does it do? when should I use it? how should I use it? thanks (daddy asked me to ask)

Posted by: sloopy on 2009-02-21, 07:02:44

There are two types of bilge pumps. Manual and automatic. Most sailboats have at least a manual bilge pump. This is a device that through a large rubber bellows pumps water out of the bilge. The bilge is the area under the cockpit or cabin sole (floor) where water runs to. It's the lowest portion of a boat next to and right above the hull. Automatic bilge pumps have a float switch that allows the pump to turn on automatically when the water rises above a certain level. Some have two positions...Automatic and Manual. On Automatic, the power to the float switch is on constantly. On Manual, you control when the power is on to the pump. If your switch only says Manual or has one position, then you control the pumps operation. It is not Automatic. I usually switch mine on to Manual when I first arrive at my sailboat to clear out any water in the bilge and to be sure it is working o.k.. I also use my manual pump since it sits lower in the bilge area. By using the pump(s) you can check that the internal discharge hoses are clean and clear of any debris and the pump(s) are operational. You should hear the electic pump in operation as a low whirring sound. That's the pump doing its thing. If you don't hear anything at all, something is not correct. Don't sail or motor without your bilge pumps operational. Usualkly, bilge pumps discharge out nthe transom in a thru= hull fitting, either plastic or bronze. Also, you should check to be sure the intake screen of the pump is not blocked with debris, labels, paper, trash, leaves, etc. I generally put my electric bilge pump on Automatic when the seas get too rough to manually pump out the bilge and sailing takes all my attention. It's a major safety item so be sure it works properly before leaving your slip, mooring, whatever.

Posted by: Nathan M on 2009-02-21, 06:46:03

When water gets into the boat it will run to the lowest point which is where the bilge pump is located I think. So if water begins to accumulate turn it on.

Posted by: ricsudukai on 2009-02-21, 07:45:23

Yes it is a good thing you are asking when you do not know about something. A bilge pump (or pumps) is a very basic and seriously important thing on any boat bigger than a dinghy. It is clear that there are a lot of things for you all to learn about boats before you venture out very far. Do courses and be humble until you actually do have qualifications. If it goes wrong on the water it is rare in history for someone to be able to walk home from a long way out.... Operating bilge pumps in marina berths can be a big EPA no no - apart from water there could be oil, diesel, chemicals - all sorts of stuff in your bilge, and the Marina Manager might have no sense of humour about it at all. Once again it is very important to find out the rules and regulations for every aspect of boating. From an experienced skippers point of view asking what a bilge pump is might be the same as asking what an indicator signal is for in a car, it is a fundamental thing really. Good luck, enjoy your boat and be safe.

Posted by: Don S on 2009-02-21, 07:48:19

May I also suggest you find some training, if the bilge confuses you I shutter to think what happens after you untie the lines, from rules of the road to dealing with unexpected emergencies. A little training may save your boat as well as your life.

Posted by: Rayvin on 2009-02-21, 08:31:08

Listen close to these other people--you need training--you can't just jump in a boat a go without training no more than you can jump in a car and go without training. Most places now require you have marine training before u go out. Your lives may not be important to u but other people like to live......

Posted by: NAP BQ on 2009-02-21, 13:09:04

It gets the water out that can build up at the inside bottom of the boat hull. Water flows down by gravity so water from splashing, etc, can get down into that space. So, the bilge pump gets it out. You use it off and on as needed, especially if you are out on the water a while or before getting the boat back on the ramp to reduce weight. Don't forget to put in the drain plug before you get the boat into the water.

Posted by: Carter on 2009-02-21, 16:31:18

As I can see from the answers you are getting, nobody has mentioned Marpol Regulations. That is, you can only pump water back out of the boat but not oil.

Posted by: Boatin' in VA! on 2009-02-23, 06:08:32

Your question has been answer so 'nuf said on that but... Have to agree about the training needed especially if you're first time boaters...or even not. Check for classes that are offered by the Coast Guard Auxillary or your local Power Squadron. You'll learn so much from these that 1) you're going to feel safer on the water and 2) the rest of us out there with you will feel safer too. : ) You and your father should both take the course and even Mom too. The more who know the rules of the water and what to do in handling a boat the more fun you'll be able to have.