Bilge pumping

[zoidberg]

Many years ago, when I was learning names for bits of boat, I observed - no, was instructed - to hand-pump the bilges when first opening up the boat.... and at regular intervals e.g. change of watch thereafter. The number of 'positive' strokes needed to clear the bilge was logged.
The idea was to determine if a small leak or accumulation was remaining steady or was increasing.

That seemed sensible, but I haven't seen anyone do that systematically for quite some time.

What's the 'herd-think'...?

 

[fredrussell]

That was pre-GRP and dripless seals perhaps? Sounds like a good idea though. Most bilges are so shallow these days that you would notice pretty quickly if there’s a leak.

 

[Neeves]

Sir, I think you might be showing your age.

Cat built 25 years ago, GRP. We had a sponge to wipe up the water when we installed took out the log. The bilge pumps were never subject to a leak.

Jonathan

 

[finestgreen]

The idea was to determine if a small leak or accumulation was remaining steady or was increasing.

Also might clear any gas that has gone astray and sank to the bilge?

 

[wonkywinch]

Also might clear any gas that has gone astray and sank to the bilge?

A Solent yacht school insist on teaching 20 manual pumps every morning to get rid of gas. Not sure if they mean propane or student exhaust that might be lurking in the bilges.

 

[Dockhead]

Many years ago, when I was learning names for bits of boat, I observed - no, was instructed - to hand-pump the bilges when first opening up the boat.... and at regular intervals e.g. change of watch thereafter. The number of 'positive' strokes needed to clear the bilge was logged.
The idea was to determine if a small leak or accumulation was remaining steady or was increasing.

That seemed sensible, but I haven't seen anyone do that systematically for quite some time.

What's the 'herd-think'...?

Relevant in a wooden boat. Less so in a reasonably watertight GRP boat with a dripless shaft seal.

I do see people with counters for their automatic bilge pumps.

On my boat, I listen for the bilge pumps (and watch for the pilot lights), and there's a bilge alarm if the water get up more than a couple of inches.