Bilge Pump & Through Hull Fittings

Bilge Pump

A standard boat is equipped with an electric centrifugal bilge pump with a capacity of about 40 litres (9 gallons) a minute. The pump works either manually or automatically, controlled by means of a “man/autom” switch on the switch panel. The manual position is spring-loaded and will cut off the current as soon as you stop pressing the switch. In the automatic position, the pump goes on and off depending on the position of a float switch in the bilge.

The red warning light in the switch goes on when the pump starts working and goes off as soon as the bilge is empty. In the mid-position, the pump is switched off altogether.

Bilge Pump Check

Since the pump works very quietly, it should be checked from time to time as follows: (two persons are required)

• Turn the switch on “man.” The red light should go on.
• If the red light does not go on, the fuse is tripped and has to be changed. Remember that the bilge pump is connected directly to battery No. 2 and has a fuse of its own located in the steering console.
• The automatic float switch normally turns off the pump when there is still some water left, and this water should now be expelled if the pump is in order. Check at the scupper on the starboard top side, beneath the handrail gate.
• If there is water coming out for more than some 5-10 seconds, there may be something wrong with the pump or the switch. Check that there’s nothing blocking the float switch. If not, the automatic function has been damaged and has to be repaired by a craftsman.

A manual membrane pump, capacity 30 litres (6.6 GB, 7.8 US gallons), can be fitted, normally on the aft bulkhead of the engine room – or under the aft companionway steps – and led to an outlet beside the automatic pump skin fitting.

* = through hull fitting