Cleaning out my bilge!

[saxrulez]

Well I got back from the lake yesterday and we'd gotten a mid afternoon shower unexpectedly. There was a small amount of water in the bilge left when I got home even with the plug out. I was debating on how I was going to dry it out when it hit me! I hooked up my shop vac, put it up against my drain hole and just sucked it dry!

It may be common practice, but I don't know why I didn't think of it till now!

 

[Philster]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

Most people never think of that... because most people don't worry about a little water in the bilge. For me, boating become un-enjoyable if I have to address things that don't matter.

What's next? Using the boat only on clear nights so UV rays don't affect it? How much UV is in moonlight?!

 

[shrew]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

I store my boat in the water, in a slip. some rainwater makes it's way down into the bilge. It happens. The bilge pump can't possibly get every last ounce of water out. So, I have a few inches of standing water in my bilge all season long.

Here's the upside. Your boat is running SO WELL, you have nothing left to worry about or fix. Congratulations.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

Most people never think of that... because most people don't worry about a little water in the bilge. For me, boating become un-enjoyable if I have to address things that don't matter.

What's next? Using the boat only on clear nights so UV rays don't affect it? How much UV is in moonlight?!

Its more of the fact that I just had to replace the entire deck/transom due to neglect. Just taking care of my hard work! Besides that it takes all of 25 seconds for me to do since my boat is backed right up to my storage shed that has my shop vac in it plugged in already

 

[Philster]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

Got it.

The irrational response is now understood given the history, but it's still irrational.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

Got it.

The irrational response is now understood given the history, but it's still irrational.

I suppose it may be. I can't see how no water isn't better than a little water though Is it 100% necessary? Absolutely not. Does it make me feel better and make the boat look cleaner(I can see my bilge when in the boat)? yep.

 

[Philster]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

You've posted a very helpful anecdote for those who obsess over a little water in the bilge.

Happy boating.

 

[Aviator5]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

I suppose it may be. I can't see how no water isn't better than a little water though Is it 100% necessary? Absolutely not. Does it make me feel better and make the boat look cleaner(I can see my bilge when in the boat)? yep.

Agreed 100%. It also smells better. I can't stand that stale water odor, and assotiated with it mould odor. My boat sits in the marina entire season with bilge bone dry. I've eliminated all leaks, and now the only time rain gets in, is when it rains horizontally.

 

[marcortez]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

A case could be made, that with standing water in a bilge, covered with a motor cover and not open to ventilation, the excess humidity generated could attack metal parts......like the bottom of the oil pan..which undoubtedly is within inches of the mosquito breeding, standing water.

If a shopvac is handy and access affords it.....just suck it out.

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

Its more of the fact that I just had to replace the entire deck/transom due to neglect. Just taking care of my hard work! Besides that it takes all of 25 seconds for me to do since my boat is backed right up to my storage shed that has my shop vac in it plugged in already

the little water you suck out with the shop vac wasnt what caused any previous damage!!!!!!!

if it wont come out when the plug is out, it wont cause anywhere near the damage you speak of.

that kind of damage that needs a total replacement comes from leaving the plug in!!!!! and the whole boat fills with water...totally a different scenario!!

maybe a few more cranks on the tounge jack would drain a little more water...


I do believe in the fact that a lot of the foam used for level floatation ..ABSORBS WATER!!!!

bob

 

[Thajeffski]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

Not a smart idea.

One day it MIGHT be gas, run that through your shop vac and you'll be looking for new body parts.

My advice? Use something with no source of sparks, or just leave it!

 

[saxrulez]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

Haha, I don't hook the shop vac up unless I've seen there is some water sitting in the bilge. I wouldn't hook it up if I thought there was a chance there was gas in it.

 

[Thajeffski]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

Haha, I don't hook the shop vac up unless I've seen there is some water sitting in the bilge. I wouldn't hook it up if I thought there was a chance there was gas in it.

well, there's always a "chance"

 

[180shabah]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

shop vac motors are isolated from the airflow...

I still wouldn't suck raw gas though...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

I suggest you taste the water first, to determine whether it's gas, motor oil, salt water (leak), live well drainage (displaced hose--will taste like anchovies) or fresh water (rain) and proceed accordingly. Use a straw to get a real good taste.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

Most people never think of that... because most people don't worry about a little water in the bilge. For me, boating become un-enjoyable if I have to address things that don't matter.

What's next? Using the boat only on clear nights so UV rays don't affect it? How much UV is in moonlight?!

I dunno,...after just finishing the removal of over 500lbs of completely water logged flotation foam..that rotted every piece of wood it was in contact with...I say it's not a bad idea to try and keep a boat as dry as you can....oh yeah , cover it too so the U.V. doesn't kill your vinyl while it is not being used.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

Use a straw to get a real good taste.

Paper straws only, the plastic one can develop a static charge.....

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

I believe that even a small amount of water sitting in the bilge will lead to corrosion of anything above it, I learned a trick here from B BOND I think it was, you take a rag and strip about a 1" ribbon off it, stick one end into the drain plug hole so it just lays in the bottom of the bilge and let the rest just hang down on the outside, it will wick out any standing water and moisture, it works!
It works great, I can check the wick and instantly tell if it's taken any rain through the cover or not, most times the rag is dry, but if we have two days of rain it will saturate but there's never water standing in the bilge for very long.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

hah...not only do I keep my bilge bone dry, I use some mild soap and water and wash it out now and then...you'd be amazed how much dirt ends up down there...but then...I am a bit nutty.

Ian

 

[msojjo]

Re: Cleaning out my bilge!

How do you wash out your bilge, i cant even see down into mine to see if there is water in there or not. Tip the bow up as high as i can and open the drain, i hope that's working for me.