2006 Sportster - bilge pump question

[Sportster Newbie]

Hi all -

Brand new 2006 Sportster owner here and I have a really basic newbie question - we just got our new to us boat and it did not come with an owners manual.

My question is - should the bilge switch on the dash do anything when there is no water to pump out? We found we accidently had it switched on and it did not seem to be doing anything. No noise, no nothing. Having said that, there was no water to pump or at least none that we can see in the engine compartment.

We have a really short warranty as this is a used boat and I want to get it back to the dealer if it really is broken but I have a feeling perhaps this is expected behavior.

Can someone tell me if this the case?

 

[WaTeRMaNiaC407]

I have a 2012 Speedster and I can hear the pump when I turn it on, but it is very quiet. If you put your ear next to the output on the side of the boat you should be able to hear if it is running. (Make sure that there is not water present though, wouldn't want an ear full of water ;-))

 

[devonte007]

The bilge pump in these boats should automatically turn on (via a internal float switch) anytime the sump fills with enough water, even with the main battery switch off. The switch on the dash is a manual override to turn on the pump. If you flip the switch on the dash the pump should go on (main battery switch must be on for this to work). These pumps are very quiet, so put your head down in the engine compartment and listen for the pump. If it is not working you should get a new one ASAP. They are inexpensive and easy to replace.
Hope this helps!

 

[Owen Birch]

...hijack... My bilge vent fan is SUPER loud. Normal?

 

[Sportster Newbie]

Thanks for the help!

Owen - our vent fan is very loud too - it is the bilge pump we cannot hear at least not sitting in the boat!