Date: 11/19/2008
Name: Dave Doan
email: daved@rapidnet.net
subject:
Bilge pumps


Hmmmm, that's interesting. The short answer is my boat is totally dry so it doesn't need one. However, when I bought it about a year ago, it had a number of annoying leaks and a bilge pump in the assorted loose gear that came with the boat. It also had the thru-transom fitting in the exact same location as yours. I just assumed that the fitting was installed by a previous owner. Now it's apparent that it could be factory installed. (My 21 is a 1980 Mark II.) Other than test the pump to see if it worked, I've never used it. I decided to keep it on board just for back up, figuring I could jury rig it if necessary. The problem with the 21's is that they don't have a real bilge like other boats. There's just not a good spot for a permanent installation. If you get water inside you are going to get your feet wet, not to mention the carpet, cushions, etc. Fixing those leaks is really the preferred route.

The previous owner had obliged by starting the process; the boat came with a newly installed set of one piece windows. I then dealt with the lower rudder gudgeon, bow eye, foredeck hatch gasket, and lazerette hinges. Along the way I discovered that any water in the lazerette compartment could leak through the bulkhead into the boat interior, so I re-epoxied the seam between it and the hull. The transom thru-hull itself was a leak (channeling water into the lazerette) so I shoved a rubber bung into it. A really tricky one was the microscopic crack in the thru-hull for the speed transducer. Another major improvement was the aluminum keel gasket, eliminating leakage from the keel pin and stop bolt holes.

It took a long time to eliminate all leaks and the moisture from under the quarter and vee berths, but it was worth it. That dry, warm carpet sure feels nice on the bare feet, plus no condensation on the overhead. I know that it's an offence to the gods to rashly claim to have a dry boat, but so far I've gotten away with it. I think that's why I keep that pump on board (not to mention assorted buckets and pots); it's just for insurance!

Cheers, Dave


[Return to Harbor Messages | Create New/Followup Message]