All About The Emergency Bilge Pump - By: Justin Davis

In general, speedboats have a bilge pump installed under the floorboards where water seeks the lowest part of the boat, which is standard. But I don't think that is enough with the present slew of faster and more expensive boats. When the boat is being propelled forward, bilge water moves from the middle section of the boat to the aft and can leave the stern part with a lot of water. Water weight also takes a toll on your fuel. An additional bilge pump should be installed in this area.

For a middle-sized boat, a pump with a capacity of 1500 to 2000 gallons per hour should be utilized. Of course, we are assuming that the architecture of the boat doesn't trap some water at a certain portion other than the stern. Otherwise, you have to install another pump in that dammed up area. The bilge pump should be set to go off automatically once the water reaches the level of the float switch. You can install a light indicator in your dashboard console so that you are aware every single time that your pump is set off.

In this way, you'll become quite familiar with how often the pump works on a regular basis. It is a good reason, then, to be alarmed when the bilge pump goes off more often than necessary. This means that there is something not working properly which is causing the water level to rise often than usual.

Make sure that the propeller shaft packing is still in its right place keeping the openings watertight. Maybe a hull hose, which is supposed to be dumping water from the boat, has become loose letting water fill up the bilge. Or a clamp from this hose, which is supposed to keep the water out, has been dislodged letting the water in.

For extra security, you can also install a back-up pump, maybe with a much higher capacity (3000 to 3500 gallons per minute), and mount its float switch higher than the first pump's switch. This pump should be set off when the primary pump fails or cannot keep up with the rate of water increase. This heightens your feeling of security. Precaution is better than being sorry when an accident has already happened.

With this kind of set up, you are assured of the safety and the security of the boat. Now, you can spend more time enjoying with family and friends.

About the Author

Do you want to heighten your sense of security? Install back up bait tanks in your boat. iMarine Inc. has a wide range of marine pumps including a bilge pump.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Justin-Davis/90067

Additional Articles From - Home | Business | Advertising