OK I am brand new to boating and so this is my first boat owner question! My brand new Challenger has an automatic bilge pump that runs periodically throughout the day to empty the bilge. The weather can be perfect (no rain) and the covers on so there has been no water entering the boat at all. The pump will run for approximately 45-60 seconds and empty a 1-2 gallons of water. This repeats . Is this normal? What is the purpose of a bilge? Is it deigned to just collect water getting into the boat from rain etc or does it normally fill and empty? There is no water in the bilge after I have been boating. Is this others experience as well? The maual lists a few reasons why water might be in the bilge making me think perhaps it should not be there. I simply do not know-help!
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2012 210 Challenger Bilge Pump Question
- Thread starter CraigT
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The purpose of the bilge is really nothing more than being the bottom of a boat/ski. Generally speaking, it is the inside of the hull which varies in design based on the intended use of the craft, (Planning hull, displacement hull, ect, ect).
As the bilge is the lowest part of a craft, it is used to serve as a gathering point for liquids that either leak or get into the hull and make it an easy location to remove the liquid.
All that said, no, it is not normal for your pump to turn on and off through the day unless you are getting the water into the hull while rough riding or getting in and out of the boat swimming for example.
It could be your drive shaft seal. If I had to guess, I would lean in that direction.
The key for you is, it is a small leak and the pump can easily handle it. This is why having a bilge pump is important, it keeps you from sinking...
As the bilge is the lowest part of a craft, it is used to serve as a gathering point for liquids that either leak or get into the hull and make it an easy location to remove the liquid.
All that said, no, it is not normal for your pump to turn on and off through the day unless you are getting the water into the hull while rough riding or getting in and out of the boat swimming for example.
It could be your drive shaft seal. If I had to guess, I would lean in that direction.
The key for you is, it is a small leak and the pump can easily handle it. This is why having a bilge pump is important, it keeps you from sinking...
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I havent seen a sea doo boat yet that didnt get water in the bilge during a normal day. If it only kicks on for a minute or so and you arent seeing a lot of water at the end of the day, id consider it normal.
timeman
Active Member
I agree with rfoster, most every boat I've seen collects some amount of water. There are several places besides the main bilge (pump location) that can collect water, anchor /ski, locker etc, that water may take some time to work it's way back to the pump area. That moisture could create even more moisture if humidity is high and the boat is sealed beneath a cover.
cycleguy88
New Member
Both of my boats always got water in them. It's normal
Thats why sea doo boats arent generally left in the water for long periods. By design, they get a little water into them. People that leave them in water should add a 2nd battery. Ive even seen a few guys hook up a solar charger.
nesnfred
Member
I’m convinced mine continually enters through the bilge hole. I plan to extend the hose so I can make the hose turns higher in the bilge. As designed, the hose turns that are supposed to stop back flow, they are below the water line. And the bilge express hole on the swim deck is right at the water line. Water continually enters. Quick stops, reversing, etc all put the hole below the water...if this doesn’t work, I plan to install an in line bilge pump that doesn’t allow back flow.
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