Keeping my 19'1 docked.

[ali y0]

I live on the Intercoastal in Fort Lauderdale and I finally started docking my 19'1 as of yesterday. My question is regarding rain water. I know there are three plugs on the transom (1 for bilge 2 for deck), the only way water will get OUT from the deck is if its pumped out through the bilge pump. Call me paranoid, but if my bilge is empty and it' rains outside and it backs into the deck would I have to worry about a sunken AS?

[seabob4]

So assuming you leave the deck drain plugs in because the drain t/hulls are below the waterline, you need to have an ability for any water inside the boat to get to the bilge, where the pump can take care of it...correct?

[ali y0]

correct, I washed the deck down yesterday and all the water went to the rear. I kept the bilge cap open just incase.

[seabob4]

Ali,
It's pretty evident that your bilge pump is going to take care of any rainwater while you are away.  So, you are going to have to make absolutely sure that you have a good, reliable float switch and bilge pump.  You're also going to have to make sure that you have a battery that's up to snuff, as well as a means to charge it...

Keep your bilge as debris free as possible.  If your float switch is several years old, I'd replace it with new.  I find that bilge pumps are pretty stout, but floats tend to crap out early.  Pull your pump off it's strainer base and clean that out.  A newer single batt charger like one from Guest or ProMariner will keep your batt topped off without frying it, keep it plugged in at all times, it's shuts down automatically when the batt is charged.

I know lots of people who slip their boats, haven't met one whose boat sank...but they make sure the likelihood of that happening is minimal...

[gran398]

Everything Bob says is true, and should be done.

As stated, the biggest prob is the float switch. It fails...or gets hung up from debris in the "on" position...big problem.

Heavy 3 hour downpour...pump stays on...then after the water is pumped from the bilge...pump still stays stuck on "on"...batt dies...bilge fills...engine goes under water.

Happens up here all the time in hurricanes.

[ali y0]

my bilge pump is new, it's a rule 750. I don't have it set up ''automatic'' just manual, but I suppose it's ideal to go that route?

[gran398]

Absolutely, you must have an auto switch wired in. Bob will recommend a good 'un.

[Skoot]

I dont understand why/how the only way for rainwater to exit the boat is through the bilge pump.  Are the 2 deck drains plugged? You should be able to remove the deck drain plugs when at rest (even if there slightly below the waterline) and rain water should exit through those holes.  Where does the water go when you wash the boat?

[ali y0]

I plugged the deck drain plugs because it's a couple inche's below the water line and causes water to enter the deck area, even worse if someone gets in the vessle. When I washed down the boat there are two holes in the rear near the deck drain plugs that lead to the bilge, the water drops in there and then it is pumped out.

[pete]

heres an idea...mount a pump and float to a board with a 12 volt plug or battery clips run the hose over the side and you have a portable back up pump to keep deck dry when docked

[seabob4]

my bilge pump is new, it's a rule 750. I don't have it set up ''automatic'' just manual, but I suppose it's ideal to go that route?

Ali,
If you have no float switch, how will the pump turn on when you're not there?  Rule-A-Matic is what I recommend, and here's how to wire it in to the boat...

[RickK]

Here is a portable I build a few years ago










Haven't had to use it but I carry it when I think there is a chance I'll need it.

[ali y0]

Ali,
If you have no float switch, how will the pump turn on when you're not there?  Rule-A-Matic is what I recommend, and here's how to wire it in to the boat...

My rule 750 says it has a float switch built in.

[MarshMarlowe196]

Guys, given how often this subject is brought up, I actually conducted a test of my own recently to verify whether or not water entering the boat via the deck would drain through unobstructed scuppers below the waterline.

At the dock, I removed my ping pong scuppers and ran a water hose continuously into the deck.  With my scuppers about 1" below the waterline and seawater already on the deck, the water level inside the boat did not change.

This does not negate the need for an automatic float switch and bilge pump.  BUT- if you have your scuppers plugged and your bilge sealed, an automatic pump below deck wouldn't (couldn't) help.

[seabob4]

My rule 750 says it has a float switch built in.

If you have a Rule-Mate, than terminate the solid brown wire to the batt, with a 10A fuse in-line...