2006 challenger 180 bilge problem

[eggraid101]

I'm having bilge issues in a 2006 challenger 180. I've never kept the boat in the water until this weekend. After leaving the boat overnight, there was a lot of water in the main hull compartment where we store the skis, and under the engine, maybe a foot deep. The bilge wouldn't switch on, and obviously the auto bilge didn't kick on. We bailed it out, and left it overnight again, and there was another 5 inches or so of water in there the next morning.

I checked the fuses for the bilge, they were both blown, so I switched them out, but it still wouldn't kick on, auto or manual. I'm thinking I need a new bilge? Where can I get one? I would probably be comfortable switching it out as long as it doesn't involve any splicing, soldering, etc. plugging things in, attaching hoses and clamping I'm ok with. The dealer across the street said a new bilge is $175, seems steep.

As for the leak, I see water trickling in where a hose comes into the hull, it has some kind of silicone sealant there now that obviously isn't cutting it. What can I do about that? The hose is a 3/8 inch diameter or so, coming in through the stern to the right of the engine as you are looking at the engine.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Floridan surfer]

I wouldn't replace it with a factory bilge pump. They are crap. I'd just get a universal 12 volt bilge pump from a boat store or ebay. That auto on pressure switch is crap also. I'd use a float type switch, like on a toilet.

 

[eggraid101]

Any particular brand of generic pump? Will it be easy to hook up to the existing electrical hook ups?

 

[Pirana]

should be just 2 wire hook-up. Any will do, the bigger the faster it will remove the water. Our boats are not meant to be stored in the water.