Specifications
8 CHAPTER 3: COMPONENTS / SYSTEMS
Rendezvous Owner’s Manual Supplement
Bilge Systems
Bilge Pumps
• Your boat is equipped with impeller-type bilge pumps, which are used to pump
water out of the bilge.
• Bilge pumps are controlled by automatic bilge pump float switches (autofloat
switches) and/or switches at the helm.
• Automatic bilge pumps are wired directly to the battery so they will function
even when the boat is completely shut down and left unattended.
Bilge Pump Testing
Bilge pumps should be tested often to verify they are working properly. To test a
bilge pump, activate the dash-mounted switch and verify that water in the bilge is
being pumped overboard. If bilge water is present and the pump motor is running
but NOT pumping, inspect the discharge hose for a kink or collapsed area. If no
problems are found, check the bilge pump housing for clogging debris as follows:
To check for clogging debris:
1. Remove the power cartridge:
a. Lift the tab while rotating the
fins counterclockwise.
b. Lift out the power cartridge.
c. Clear debris from the outer hous-
ing.
2. Reinstall the power cartridge:
a. Make sure the “O” ring is
properly seated.
b. Coat the “O” ring with a light
film of vegetable or mineral oil.
c. Align the two cams on either side
of the power cartridge with the
two slots on the outer housing
and press the power cartridge
into the housing while twisting
clockwise.
3. Ensure proper reinstallation by
attempting to twist the fins counter-
clockwise without lifting the tab.
The cartridge should stay in place.
Autofloat Switches
Automatic bilge pumps use electromagnetic float (autofloat) switches to automati-
cally activate the pump whenever water accumulates above a preset level in the
bilge. One autofloat switch is mounted next to the bilge pump it activates, and is
wired directly to the battery so it will function even when the boat is completely
shut down and left unattended.
NOTICE
Discharge of oil, oil waste or fuel into navigable waters is prohibited by law.
Violators are subject to legal action by the local authorities.
OF OIL
LIGHT FILM
TA B
POWER
CARTRIDGE
SLOT (TYPICAL)
CAM
(TYPICAL)
FIN
TYPICAL
“O” RING
OUTER
HOUSING
BILGE PUMP
COMPONENTS