Plumbing System
5-3
Section 5
C280 / S280 / C310 / ST310
5.4 Drainage
General
Some drain thru-hull fittings are equipped
with ball valves that are always open under
normal operating conditions. In the event of
an emergency, close the valves to prevent
sea water from entering the boat through the
drainage system. Check and operate the
drain valves at least once a month to make
sure they are in good condition and operat-
ing properly. Also, check the drain system to
ensure it is free flowing and hoses on the
thru-hull fittings are secure and not leaking.
Review and become familiar with the drain-
age schematic and location of the thru-hull
drain valves.
A situation requiring one or more drain
valves to be closed can be dangerous to
boat and all onboard. If this occurs, distrib-
ute PFD’s and take all necessary safety pre-
cautions, including notifying the Coast
Guard or local agency, until the problem is
determined and corrected.
Bilge Drainage
The bilge pumps are located in the stern
bilge. All bilge pumps pump water out of
thru-hulls located above the waterline in the
hull. See Electrical Systems for additional
information on bilge pump operation.
The aft bilge pump system consists of two
pumps and an automatic float switch. The
float switch activates one pump that is fully
automatic. The other pump is the manual
pump and is controlled by the switch at the
helm.
Current is supplied to the automatic float
switches whenever the batteries are con-
nected. The bilge pump switches in the helm
are supplied current when the house battery
switch is in the "ON" position. The breaker
for the manual pump is on the helm switch
panel and the breaker for the automatic
function is located on the MDP.
ST 310 only
The bilge pump system on the ST310 has
been specifically designed for boats under
tow. The automatic operates as previously
described. The manual pump is connected
to a high bilge water alarm and operates
from the starboard engine battery. Should
the house battery become discharged and/
or the water level in the bilge activate the
high water alarm the manual bilge pump will
be activated and the boat's horn will sound.
Activate the manual bilge pump briefly each
time the boat is used to ensure pumps are
operating properly. Activate the automatic
switch manually to verify operation.
Inspect the bilge area frequently for evi-
dence of excessive water. Continuous oper-
ation of the bilge pump can mean there is
excess water in the bilge. Debris can also
prevent the pump from operating or make it
operate continuously. Make sure no debris is
blocking the bilge pump float.
Bilge pumps and bilge pumping systems are
not designed for damage control. Continu-
ous operation of the bilge can mean a leak
or a drain plug is installed incorrectly; make
sure all drain plugs are installed.
Excess water in the bilge area will adversely
affect the handling and maneuverability of
the boat and can cause personal injury. DO
NOT allow the bilge pump to operate after all
the water has been cleared from the bilge
area. Damage to the pump will occur.
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