Water in the bilge area

[Brian Hall]

My boat has about a five inch drop down from the floor to a bilge area at the back where the battery sits. This area is where the drain plug is but the drain plug is about and inch or two higher than the bottom and water sits there and mildews.<br /><br />What can I do to fix this?<br /><br />I have thought about adding glass to the floor to raise it so that all the water will drain but that seems like it would be heavy. It is about a 1 foot by 3 foot space.<br /><br />Thanks for the help.

 

[Cal_MI]

Re: Water in the bilge area

I added an electric bilge pump to my "drain area".

 

[Brian Hall]

Re: Water in the bilge area

I forgot to mention that I am going to add a bilge pump but it still will not take all the water out of the area and I would like for it to be able to drain completely.

 

[MFG197]

Re: Water in the bilge area

Some of us just sponge it out...

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: Water in the bilge area

With a bilge pump, nose up when setting, and the plug out the water left by the pump should evaporate before it molds. To speed it up set a small fan blowing in the bilge.

 

[boaterntexas]

Re: Water in the bilge area

I will do one of two things, if there is no-one at the ramp waiting to load or unload then I will park on the ramp pull my plug and let the bilge pump for a while, then when I get home I will normally put some kind of block or brick under my trailer tounge jack and jack it up as high as I can, that way all the water will run to the back.. <br /><br />works well.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Water in the bilge area

I have always had the same concern and wished they would design an flush, bottom-mount drain plug. I have been toying with the idea of mounting an I/O style bilge blower to help dry it out at home. If you trailer it home, leave the plug out and alot of the water gets sucked out by the vacuum created while underway.

 

[Brian Hall]

Re: Water in the bilge area

Well, after thinking about it for some time this is what I'm gonna do. I am goin to use the existing drain hole to intsall alivewell pump and drill a new hole that is lower for the drain hole so that it will drain completely.<br /><br />Thanks for the help.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Water in the bilge area

Duhhhh. <br /><br />If you were to add glass, you would shape the bilge area to a shape you want (gentle ‘v’) with foam and glass over the foam so the foam never sees water. Kinda like a foam core bilge. <br /><br />With or without water sitting in the bilge, there should be enough air circulation in there to prevent mildew. While you are at it putting in that new drain hole, I suggest you go ahead and figure out some kind of ventilation scheme as well.

 

[Searobin]

Re: Water in the bilge area

I have a similar problem on my little skiff, but perhaps not as severe as your problem.<br /><br />Here's what I do.....after putting the boat away, I elevate the bow with a block under the trailer tongue. All water must go to the back.<br /><br />Using a short piece of "lint rope" (for lack of the correct term) into the drain from outside, and make sure it reaches your sump area. I usually tie a knot in the inside end, and try to jam a bit of it under my gas tank, so it stays in place. The end hanging down outside must be below the end inside the boat, but I do not let it touch the ground, so as to make an easy egress for ants and other critters.<br /><br />This lint rope wicks up the water, and effectively siphons it all out where it drips until dry.<br /><br />Regular braid will not work as well....but this stuff looks like lint, and has threads sewn into it, kepping it together......you can get it at the home-improvement stores....dunno what it is called.....but it works, and will keep your bilge dry between outings.<br /><br />Good Luck