Owner`s manual

Plumbing System
5-3
Section 5
C 260
5.4 Drainage
General
Some of the drain thru-hull fittings are
equipped with ball valves that are always
open under normal operating conditions. In
the event of an emergency, the valves can
be closed to prevent sea water from entering
the boat through the drainage system. It is
important to check and operate the drain
valves at least monthly to make sure they
are in good condition and operating properly.
You also should check the drain system fre-
quently to ensure it is free flowing and that
the hoses on the thru-hull fittings are secure
and not leaking.
Please review the drainage schematic to
become familiar with the location of the thru-
hull drain valves.
Bilge Drainage
The bilge pumps are located in the stern
bilge. All bilge pumps pump water out of
thru-hulls located above the waterline in the
hull. See Electrical Systems for additional
information on bilge pump operations.
The aft bilge pump system consists of two
pumps and an automatic float switch. The
float switch activates one pump that is fully
automatic. The other pump is the manual
pump and is controlled by the switch at the
helm.
Current is supplied to the automatic float
switches whenever the batteries are con-
nected. The bilge pump switch in the helm is
supplied current when the battery switch is
in the "ON" position. The breaker for both
the manual and the automatic function is
located on the battery switch panel.
Activate the manual bilge pump briefly each
time the boat is used to ensure pumps are
operating properly. Activate the automatic
switch manually to verify operation by plac-
ing a wet rag across the sensor and mount-
ing bracket. There is a delay built into the
switch before the pump will activate. The
pump will continue to operate for a short
time after the rag is removed. Refer to the
Water Witch manufacturer's information
under "Plumbing" for more information.
Automatic Bilge Pump Switch
Inspect the bilge area frequently for evi-
dence of excessive water. Continuous oper-
ation of the bilge pump can mean there is
excess water in the bilge. Test the bilge
pump at regular intervals. Debris can also
prevent the pump from operating or make it
operate continuously. Make sure no debris is
blocking the bilge pump float.
Bilge pumps and bilge pumping systems are
not designed for damage control. Continu-
ous operation of the bilge can mean a leak
or a drain plug is installed incorrectly; make
sure all drain plugs are installed.
! WARNING
Situations requiring one or more drain
valves to be closed can be potentially
dangerous to the boat and your crew.
If this occurs, distribute personal flo-
tation devices to the crew and take all
necessary safety precautions, includ-
ing notifying the coast guard, until the
problem is found and corrected.