Owner`s manual

Plumbing System
5-3
Section 5
OS 255
5.4 Drainage
General
Some drain thru-hull fittings are equipped
with ball valves that are always open under
normal operating conditions. In the event of
an emergency, close the valves to prevent
seawater from entering the boat through the
drainage system. Check and operate the
drain valves monthly to ensure their condi-
tion and proper operation. Also, check the
drain system frequently to ensure it flows
freely and the hoses on the thru-hull fittings
are secure and not leaking.
Please review the drainage schematic to
become familiar with the location of thru-hull
drain valves.
Bilge Drainage
Bilge pumps are located in the stern and for-
ward bilge. All bilge pumps pump water out
of thru-hulls located above the waterline.
See Electrical Systems for additional infor-
mation on bilge pump operations.
The aft bilge pump system consists of two
pumps and an automatic float switch. The
float switch activates one pump automati-
cally. The other pump is the controlled man-
ually by a switch at the helm. The forward
bilge pump has both automatic and manual
functions.
Current goes to the automatic float switches
whenever the batteries are connected. The
bilge pump switches in the helm have cur-
rent when the number 2 battery switch is in
the "ON" position. Breakers for both the
manual and the automatic functions are
located on the MDP.
Activate the manual bilge pump briefly fre-
quently to ensure pumps are operating prop-
erly. Activate the automatic switch manually
to verify operation by placing a wet rag
across the sensor and mounting bracket.
There is a delay built into the switch before
the pump will activate. The pump will con-
tinue to operate for a short time after remov-
ing the rag. Refer to the Water Witch
manufacturer's information under "Plumb-
ing" for more information.
Inspect the bilge area frequently for evi-
dence of excessive water. Continuous oper-
ation of the bilge pump can mean excess
water in the bilge. Debris can also prevent
the pump from operating or make it operate
continuously. Make sure no debris blocks
the bilge pump float.
Bilge pumps and bilge pumping systems are
not designed for damage control. Continu-
ous operation of the bilge pump can mean a
leak or an incorrectly installed drain plug;
make sure all drain plugs are installed.
Excess water in the bilge area adversely
affects the handling and maneuverability of
the boat and can cause personal injury. DO
NOT allow the bilge pump to operate after all
the water has been cleared from the bilge
area. Damage to the pump will occur.
A loose drain plug will allow seawater to
enter the bilge and cause the boat to sink.
Check the drain plug frequently to make
sure it is secure. When the boat is out of the
water, the drain the bilge using the thru-hull
drain located in the transom, near the bot-
tom of the hull.
Thoroughly clean and properly dispose of
any oil spilled in the bilge before operating
the bilge pump. The discharge of oil from the
bilge is illegal and subject to fine.
! WARNING
Situations requiring one or more drain
valves closure can be potentially dan-
gerous to the boat and your crew. If
this occurs, distribute personal flota-
tion devices to the crew and take all
necessary safety precautions, includ-
ing notifying the coast guard, until the
locating problem and correcting it.