Normal Bilge Level

Molly Too · Post by **Molly Too** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 12:06 pm

I replaced my forward (under the v-berth) diaphragm bilge pump and switch this weekend. The switch instructions said to place it at the "normal" bilge level. Well, I'm not so sure that I know what that is supposed to be (I can't rely on what was there). There's a flat shelf spanning the "V" in the bilge. Should the water level be at that height, lower, higher? I know too low increases cycles and too high leads to rotting on the bulkheads. Summertime A/C condensate collects here too. Any thoughts?

g36 · Post by **g36** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 1:28 pm

not trying to be smart but i had a small shelf on my f32 sounds about in the same spot. the switch is there and the pump is a bit lower. i do have pumps in the aft by the transom also. do you? addressing the bilge water i made drip pans under my prop shafts and i routed the ac condensate from the drip pans to a thru hull one forward and one below the salon ac . my normal water lever is 0 in my bilge. i like to have a completely dry bilge. i will accumulate some at times but i dont want to have any issues with water finding its way into stringers etc. by just letting it sit all the time. but thats me.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:53 pm

I have 2 Bilge pumps under the hatch in my V-Berth raised floor. They leave about 1/2" or so ... I don't think I can get them any lower.

My shaft seals are below water level, so I don't see how I could have a pan collect the water and flow it (gravity?) overboard. Do you have pumps in your collection pan(s)?

I would love to keep my bilge dry(er) (helps keep odor down).

Buckknekkid · Post by **Buckknekkid** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 5:26 pm

I installed a high water alarm midships in front of the water tanks,, a HUGE siren alerts everyone if anything happens.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 7:34 pm

Mel , The lower the better . as the less water the better . however some times you can get the pump but so low so you may have to put it on the shelf.

Ready how do you keep 0 water in the bilge ? what about rain ?

ready123 · Post by **ready123** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 9:20 pm

prowlersfish wrote:Ready how do you keep 0 water in the bilge ? what about rain ?

How do you get rain in the bilge? On my boat the aft deck hatch surrounds are piped out via the scupper hoses (I did that). My aft air vents have a baffle to keep rain out....

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 9:57 pm

My hatchs drain in to the bilge as they did when new , no big deal .( at least to me)

g36 · Post by **g36** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 7:44 am

hi rossjo. yes they are below water level. the pans i built are big enough that they will handle the water . the drip rate is basically 0 when the boat is sitting still. the water will usually evaporate enough that it wont overflow especially in the summer but i have a small tubing and pump setup that allows me to suck up the water without a big hassle. my setup works for me i cant go for extended runs everyday like you guys at the coast. might not work as well i dont know. i got this drip pan idea from someone on this forum i think (or maybe another forum i was reading) shortly after getting my boat dont remember who but it made since to me to try and keep things dry. especially after reading about rotten stringers etc.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 11:19 am

Sounds like a great idea. I get enough water sometimes (especially on an all day run) that I don;t think the pans would work for me though ...

I see you're north of Chattanooga. What lake are you on?

g36 · Post by **g36** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 8:38 pm

rossjo i'm on the tennessee river ,chickamauga lake. live in soddy daisy. i am about 20 river miles north of chattanooga. tuck my fellow trojan buddy is also on this lake but he is about 13 miles south of me. closer to chattanooga. we can get to the gulf by tn river and the tombigbee waterway easily enough, i just have to get the time from work to do this, someday!!