Cleaning the bilge

[hz]

The previous owner dropped some oil in the bilge when he changed the oil. My boat is tied up in the marina for awhile but I would like to clean the bilge. I do get some rain water in there so pumping it out the way it is is out of the question. What about filling it up with water with dawn in it and letting it set for awhile. Then I'd pump it out into pails and bring the dirty water over to the pump out. Will it work if it's not sloshing around? any other ideas?

Harris

 

[jetmart]

Re: Cleaning the bilge

I have used a shop vac to get all of the dirty water out and then clean it with a safe degreaser by wiping it down,

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: Cleaning the bilge

mine is pretty damn dirty. I just bought my boat in June from the original owner. He had it for about 4 years. He told me he NEVER removed the drain plug......

Here's a pic if it today. I need to remove the battery trays and get down there and scrub. It's dirty. Also need to repaint the battery shelf panel. The paint is peeling.

Since it's an aluminum boat, I assume there isnt any wood, between the floor and hull right....?

 

[sasto]

Re: Cleaning the bilge

Oh....I've seen worse, not bad.

I like jetmart's advice.

 

[JupiterJoe]

Re: Cleaning the bilge

Easy go to yor local marine store get some oil diapers they soak up oil not water..
Than get som degreaser a bottle of dawn. put the two in together add some water take it for a ride then pump it out .. The oil rags will soak up 90% of the oil the rest the degreaser and dawn will take care of . If you are in saltwater let it go over board the mix wont be harmfull . ( not in your slip ) while under way is best. If your on a lake i would pump it in the buckets..