Large quantities of water in the bilge may be an indication of a leak or that the bilge
pump and/or automatic float switch is not functioning properly due to a jam, clog or
electrical issue. The automatic float switch is wired to the 24-hour side of the battery
switch through the “BILGE” breaker on the battery switch panel. When functioning
properly, the float switch activates the bilge pump to pump water overboard once water
in the bilge reaches a level that submerges the switch.
If the bilge pump does not come on when the float switch is submerged, attempt to
manually turn it on through your switch panel. If the bilge pump comes on and
evacuates the water, it is clear that the float switch is not functioning properly. If the
bilge pump does not come on via the switch panel, check the breaker on the battery
switch panel to see if a breaker has been tripped. If the breaker has been tripped, reset it
and turn the switch on again, listening for the bilge pump to turn on. Additionally, the
automatic float switch has an independent fuse located by the batteries.
If the bilge pump fails to turn on, turn the battery switch to the OFF position, then
unhook the bilge pump from its cradle by pressing down on the blue tabs on the cradle
and gently turning the top of the pump. You will feel the pump release from the cradle.
The entire bilge pump and wiring should release from the cradle. After removing the
pump, check the underside and impeller areas for miscellaneous items that might clog
the pump. If any obstructions are present remove the debris and set the pump back into
the cradle. Once set back in the cradle, press the blue tab down and rotate the pump
until you feel it snap back in place. Once this is completed you can try to turn the pump
on again.
If the bilge pump still does not turn on, it likely needs to be replaced. It is not
recommended to use your boat if the bilge pump and/or float switch are not functioning
properly.
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