Dewatering a Boat

Should your boat take on enough water, you may begin to feel it become sluggish and unresponsive and, in the worst case scenario, it could even begin to founder. Breaches may occur through improperly sealed rivets or stormy weather may blow spray into your boat; any number of factors present cause for your vessel to accumulate water. Pumps have evolved throughout marine history which help tremendously in evacuating extra water, or bilge, in varying speeds depending on their type.

Things You'll Need

  • Bilge pump
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Instructions

  1. The Electric Pump

    • 1

      Search for your boat's bilge pump at the lowest point in its hull. Check to ensure that its wiring isn't corroded or rusty. Remove any dirt or buildup from the intake.

    • 2

      Locate its three-stage switch and flip it "On" or "Auto" if you'd like the pump's sensor to determine when the pump ought to activate.

    • 3

      Switch the pump on to dewater your vessel. Switch the pump off when you've pulled in to dry-dock the boat.

    Manual Pumps

    • 4

      Grasp the pump by its handle and place its body in the lowest point of your boat's hull.

    • 5

      Run the hose over the side of the boat so that the bilge water is dumped outside the vessel.

    • 6

      Lift and push the bilge pump's handle as if you were inflating a bicycle tire. Pump bilge water out of your boat until an acceptable amount remains.