Water coming in through bildge pump outlet?

[knoell3]

If the bilge pump is working properly should I be taking a little water in from the outlet on the side. The outlet is located near the back on the left side and I notice it rides only about 1/2" above the water line. It's under the water line when I lean over to look at it. I suspect this is because this 17' aluminum Lowe bass boat has a Mariner 90 on it which is a lot of motor for the boat and adds more weight that probably intended.

Thanks.

Chris

 

[arks]

Re: Water coming in through bildge pump outlet?

No, you need to relocate the discharge port higher on the hull.
My little 14 footer has the outlet 18" AWL (above waterline).
This sounds like a sinking just waiting to happen.

If I may be so bold, what size motor is that hull rated for?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Water coming in through bildge pump outlet?

Make sure there is a high "loop" in the bilge hose. The hose should be higher than the discharge to prevent water from coming in. From the discharge, the hose should go up hill, then curve back down to the pump.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Water coming in through bildge pump outlet?

Yup -- water runs downhill.

 

[boat1010]

Re: Water coming in through bildge pump outlet?

Mark has the answer. If there is a "loop" the water should stop coming in. To move the discharge hole it would be quite a bit of work. There also some good check valves that you can get. Water only goes one way. Good luck

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Water coming in through bildge pump outlet?

Your bilge pump might not work so well if the outfall is under water. such as if you have water in the boat and need the bilge pump! Move it up.

Sounds like that through-hull is to drain your live well or fish box. Drains at waterline are OK as long as they feed only into a contained area. Maybe a previous owner set it up that way.

And just so you'll sleep beter, no matter how you rig it, a hose can pop off or through hull fail. If you'er not going to use that on, seal it up.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Water coming in through bildge pump outlet?

disagree^^^^ your outlet could be 100 feet under water and the bilge pump would work just as well as at the surface except for the flow reduction caused by pumping through 100 feet of hose.. put a vented loop in that extends about 6" above water level and you will be golden..... vented is required though to break the siphon if the pump ever shuts off while the outlet is under water

 

[knoell3]

Re: Water coming in through bildge pump outlet?

Thanks for all your responses folks. Not sure what the boat is rated for. It's a 1985 fish and ski and I work with the last 2 people that have owned it and they say it has a little more motor than needed and rides just a tad low in the back, but it runs great. I found that out last weekend after having it in the water for the 1st time. It does run great and trims out fine.

As far as the water coming in through the bilge discharge, I have simply stuck a cork in the discharge and if I need to run it I'll remove the cork. I can see any water in the hull since it is open in the back for about 18" and I know when to run it. First time I had it out I had to run the bildge pump for about 15-20 seconds about every hour. Not a big deal really, just curious.

Thank again for all your reponses. All good info.

Chris

 

[knoell3]

Re: Water coming in through bildge pump outlet?

----snip---put a vented loop in that extends about 6" above water level and you will be golden..... vented is required though to break the siphon if the pump ever shuts off while the outlet is under water

I am a 1st time boat owner and a little slow....not sure what you meant by this. Specifically "vented".

Thanks,

Chris

 

[arks]

Re: Water coming in through bildge pump outlet?

Your boat should have a USCG capacity plate somewhere inside. It's aluminium and probably yellow and black. It will list the maximum weight capacity, maximum # of persons, and maximum horsepower.
If you exceed any of the values listed on the capacity plate the boat may be unsafe. Also, any insurance claim could be at risk.

I am a 1st time boat owner and a little slow....not sure what you meant by this. Specifically "vented".

Thanks,

Chris

Lifted from the internet:
What is a vented loop

Vented loop: inverted U-shaped pipe with a vent at the top, used as a section in discharge lines to prevent back siphoning.

Vented loops are a necessity on board for some marine systems. You have vented loops (anti-siphon valves) or should have them, as part of an engine exhaust system, or plumbing for bilge pumps, or the marine head. The reason you have them is to stop a siphon or backflow of water in the system. With a siphon, the water can travel the wrong way in a plumbing system. In the case of a marine head the water can go back into the toilet and overflow it.

Vented loops are simple devices and very rarely go wrong, but when they do the results are catastrophic. The boats potentially sinks!

 

[knoell3]

Re: Water coming in through bildge pump outlet?

The capacity plate says it's rated for up to a 85hp motor with a "people" weight of 4 @ 545 lbs (4 skinny people) or a gross weight of 1045 lbs which includes motor weight and gear. Never more than 2 on it and the majority of time just me....so I guess I am OK. A couple experienced boater friends ofmine have taken pics of it in the water and they say it looks fine to them.
Thanks.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Water coming in through bildge pump outlet?

The capacity plate says it's rated for up to a 85hp motor with a "people" weight of 4 @ 545 lbs (4 skinny people) or a gross weight of 1045 lbs which includes motor weight and gear. Never more than 2 on it and the majority of time just me....so I guess I am OK. A couple experienced boater friends ofmine have taken pics of it in the water and they say it looks fine to them.
Thanks.

You may very well "be" fine and never have a problem, but if you ever do you have bigtime legal liabilities. It doesn't matter how much over the capacity plate you are, it just matters that you are over. My insurance company personally inspects used boats and they would most definately deny coverage. If you opt for a USCGA courtesy inspection, they will not pass your rig. With lawyers chomping at the bit to handle liability cases, its just not worth the risk.