England Ireland Find Havens
England Ireland Find Routes
Boat
Maintenance
Comfort
Operations
Safety
Other



Next Previous

A bilge pump warning light



Be the first
to comment

What is the issue?
Whilst underway the sound of the automatic electric bilge pump is often drowned out by general boat noise. Never more so than when operating under power.

This pernicious oversight could lead to the vessel sinking. Good examples of engine running issues are failures in the stuffing boxes or of an impeller. The stern gland is one of the few thru-hull fittings designed to allow some water into the boat. This is about 2-3 drops per minute when the shaft is turning but if there is a problem this drip could turn into an in-flood without anyone knowing it above decks. Likewise, an impeller could give way causing the engine to overheat and its hot gases to melt the engine raw-water hose. This opens the closed loop cooling system and allows water to enter the boat.

Why address this?
Bilge pump operation is indicative of a build-up of water and it is essential for the boat's safety to be made immediately aware of this. A sudden leak may go undetected until a build up of oily water becomes visible on the cabin floor. By this time the situation has escalated and the resultant clean up is less than desirable. People may be powering on in the cockpit in both of these events not hearing and not knowing the bilge pump is being overwhelmed and the boat is sinking beneath them.

How to address this?
Fit a flashing red bilge pump warning LED where it will unmistakably catch the eye of the helmsman, such as the face of the bridge deck. As LEDs are completely inexpensive a second or third LED on the navigation table or in the captain's sleeping cabin for off-watch reassurance is an equally good idea.

To fit, simply connect into the pumps positive feed, downstream from the float and manual switch, before it arrives at the bilge pump. Pick up the negative from the opposite side of the pump or the boats negative. Hence the light(s) have power when the pump is powered.

This is a simple and cost-effective safety feature that leads to peace of mind and an excellent reminder of needed maintenance such as the tightening of a stuffing box. For more on holes beneath the waterline see what to do if you are taking on water and potentially sinking Experience.

With thanks to:
Michael Harpur, Yacht Obsession.
A photograph is worth a thousand words. We are always looking for bright sunny photographs that illustrate this experience. If you have some images that we could use please upload them here. All we need to know is how you would like to be credited for your work and a brief description of the image if it is not readily apparent. If you would like us to add a hyperlink from the image that goes back to your site please include the desired link and we will be delighted to that for you.



Add your review or comment:

Please log in to leave a review of this tip.

eOceanic makes no guarantee of the validity of this information, you must read our legal page. However, we ask you to help us increase accuracy. If you spot an inaccuracy or an omission on this page please contact us and we will be delighted to rectify it. Don't forget to help us by sharing your own experience.