Trace amounts of water in bilge. What to do?

[Philster]

Okay, so I am just doing some final things with the Scarab and trailer, like lubing everything, double checking this 'n' that, and disconnecting the hydraulic lift arms from the engine cover, so I can pull the battery, etc.

I have the boat bow raised up with a decided back tilt, plug is out and there is a li'l 'drip drip drip' from the plug hole. I checked under the engine: There is a trace (1/8") of water at the pump. I ran the bilge pump and it glubbed out a tiny bit but can't get the rest.

The only way to raise the bow more is to jack it beyond the range of the trailer jack and raise the engine outdrive to get the trace amount out (engine outdrive is just about on ground).

So, how nutso should I be about the trace amount? All my other boats were 18' outboards and I could lift the bow/trailer by hand and have it drain at a 35 degree angle. I can't get that kind of angle to get the water out the back hole.

Any opinions here? I know there is an obsessive dry-bilge cult here (haha), so I want to know what you would all do...

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Trace amounts of water in bilge. What to do?

I had heard or read, I think from Tashasdaddy that a trick would be to use a rag, twist it and wet the end (I think) and it creates a wick that actually draws the water out..

Maybe a SHAM-WOW?? lol

I'll try to search the forums and find that post.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Trace amounts of water in bilge. What to do?

I wouldn't worry about it one bit. Why do you think they put bilge pumps on boats...because water gets in the bilge -- duh!

If you're worried about the winterizing part, and you shouldn't be because there's nothing that can be harmed by 1/8" of water freezing in the bilge, just pour a little antifreeze in with it.

 

[rbh]

Re: Trace amounts of water in bilge. What to do?

drain it the best you can, keep the plug out over winter, but keep the boat well covered so rain and snow will not accumollate.

 

[captharv]

Re: Trace amounts of water in bilge. What to do?

Sponge

 

[Philster]

Re: Trace amounts of water in bilge. What to do?

Prior to joining iboats forums, I would not have worried about the trace amount of water one bit, but I probably read a few posts by some of the guys who have to have a 100% dry/clean bilge at all times!

I am just gonna lower a towel by hand and wick it up. Too far down to wipe it up.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Trace amounts of water in bilge. What to do?

My boat continually has 1/2" of water in the bilge. I'll dry it out completely and 2 months later (after showers, toilet use, generator use, dishes, sinks, etc) there is 1/2" of water in the bilge. Carver says it's normal and to stop being so anally rentative. I just put a splash of bleach in so it doesn't smell, but it never goes over 1/2". Go figure...

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Trace amounts of water in bilge. What to do?

Do you cover it or leave the cover off over night, if you keep it outside. Condensation can build up too.

 

[boat1010]

Re: Trace amounts of water in bilge. What to do?

There are lots of reasons for water in the bilge. Swimming, rain, rough water. As far as having a little water in the bilge is no big thing. I like to have a clean bilge so I can tell if I develop and leaks, oil or water. At the end of the season I will put some "Dawn" detergent and some HOT water in the bilge and drive around a little to swish it around a little then drain it out. I can get to all of my bilge with a rag to wipe up all the water. If you can't and are still worried about the water use a rag and a broom stick to get it out. But it won't hurt anything.

 

[H8tank]

Re: Trace amounts of water in bilge. What to do?

I'll stick the business end of my shop vac down there at the end of the season to get the last of the water out.

 

[seaboo]

Re: Trace amounts of water in bilge. What to do?

I'll stick the business end of my shop vac down there at the end of the season to get the last of the water out.

Me too. I'll vacum the boat with it, pull the filter then suck the lil water up thats in the bilge.

 

[Philster]

Re: Trace amounts of water in bilge. What to do?

Okay, I will stop obsessing!