InTheBite

  • Home
  • News
    • All News
    • Featured Stories
    • General News
    • Captain of the Year
    • Tournament Results
    • First Builds
    • Splash Reports
    • Old Salts Rule
    • Tackle Tips
    • Dock Talk
    • Crew Records
    • Conservation
  • Tournaments
    • Calendar
    • Captain of the Year
    • Champion’s Cup
  • Shop
    • All Products
    • Subscriptions
    • Back Issues
    • Shirts
    • Hats & Visors
    • Miscellaneous
    • Release Rulers
  • Classifieds
  • Job Board
  • Contact
    • Contact InTheBite
    • InTheBite Media Kit
  • Log in

Secrets To A Healthier Bilge

January 9, 2015 By InTheBite Editor

Down and Dirty: Secrets to a Healthier, Happier Bilge

by Ric Burnley

WillyVac_ENG-Med_66322Captain Fin Gaddy was on a short test ride after repowering his 50-foot Qualifier when a bilge pump light came on. “I didn’t think anything of it,” he recalls, “I just figured it was a stuck float switch or debris left from the workers.” When the second bilge light came on though, it got his full and undivided attention. “I knew something was wrong so I went down into the bilge to check it out.” He found water pumping out of the engine and filling up the compartment. “The water was already over the shaft and sloshing around.” Gaddy slowed the boat to retard the flow of water and limped back to the dock. “You’ve got to know your boat,” he says, “to know when something isn’t right.”

While the bilge system on a boat rarely sees the light of day, a well-designed and properly outfitted bilge is critical to a safe operation. “If anything bad is going to happen,” Gaddy laughs, “chances are it will happen in the bilge.” Mechanical issues, leaks and even major breaches can occur below deck; an effective bilge system will make it easier to detect and correct any problems.

Start with a Good Design

While Gaddy’s emergency was the result of an improperly installed hose, his salvation was due to a properly built boat. Captain Paul Mann built Qualifier with multiple pumping systems and a design that allows water to flow correctly. “Everything starts and ends in the bilge,” Mann explains, “so it has to work right to keep the rest of the boat afloat.” Mann likes a faired and finished bilge that is painted and sealed. “That way all you need is a roll of paper towels and some spray cleaner for small messes,” he explains. Finding and correcting little leaks and drips can prevent larger problems down the road. Gaddy periodically inspects his bilge for oil, water and other fluids that may indicate a bigger problem. “I run my hands along the stringers and keep an eye out for bolts or parts that end up in the bilge,” he continues. He’s even diagnosed a potential mechanical issue when he found parts lying in the bilge. “Nothing like having work done on the engine and later finding a bolt on the floor,” he says.

To keep this from happening, Mann designs his bilge systems to isolate issues more quickly. “I like to plug the limber holes running fore and aft so that an oil leak in the engine compartment doesn’t run all the way back,” he says. This also allows the owner to isolate leaks faster. If all the water is in the front compartment, then you can find the leak quicker. In the event of an emergency, the holes through the stringers can quickly be opened to allow water to flow.

Think Through Potential Problems

Gaddy suggests that boat owners sit in their bilges and imagine what would happen if there was a major breach or leak. “How would the water drain,” he asks,…(To continue reading this article click here) You can also subscribe to InTheBite The Magazine to get more industry leading editorial.

 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Do you have any comments or questions for us? We’d love to hear from you.

    Filed Under: Featured Stories Tagged With: Bilge, Clean Bilge

    Recent News

    A Taste of Sportfishing: Blue Crab Claw Rolls

    By Holly Hearn of Game Girl Gourmet Blue water and blue crabs. These two things pair beautifully in the case of this blue crab claw roll. The rolls are light, sweet, savory and just a little bit spicy. This makes them the perfect lunchtime … [Read More...]

    The Masters Celebrate 60 Years in Style

    Costa Rica never disappoints; calm seas, a world class fleet and fast billfishing for 30 Master Anglers who gathered together at Los Suenos on January 24th for the annual boat draw. Veteran anglers welcomed five "freshmen" into the club and after … [Read More...]

    Pelagic’s Vaportek Fishing Shirt

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B32l2Wwscak Check out the video to see why Pelagic’s Vaportek is the lightest and most breathable fishing shirt. The Vaportek Fishing Shirt features full-length fine-mesh vented panels that allow for optimal airflow … [Read More...]

    Performance by Design

    By Christopher Swanhart The same reason water floats our boats also slows them down. Water is dense. Pushing a hull through the water, and maintaining planing speeds, requires an appreciable amount of power. The resistance profile of a hull is … [Read More...]

    Proposed 10-Knot Restrictions

    It’s Not Over! The Viking Yacht Company and the marine industry’s grassroots campaign to stop the advancement of a proposed 10-knot restriction along the Eastern Seaboard continues into 2023. … [Read More...]

    Leave a Reply

    Connect With InTheBite

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Subscribe to InTheBite Magazine Today!

    InTheBite current cover image

    Our latest issue is hitting the docks now! Be sure to subscribe to the hottest bluewater mag on the market. Purchase or Subscribe »

    InTheBite Champion’s Cup

    InTheBite Champions Cup Logo

    New for 2022, the Champion’s Cup is an optional paid entry with a winner-takes-all prize format for teams who want to up the stakes in each division utilizing our longstanding tournament scoring formula.

    Captain of the Year Cup Standings

    COTY / ITB Cup Logo

    News

    • Proposed 10-Knot Restrictions

      Proposed 10-Knot Restrictions

      It’s Not Over! The Viking Yacht Company and the marine industry’s grassroots campaign to stop the advancement of a proposed 10-knot restriction along the Eastern Seaboard continues into 2023. And now, thanks to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), we have a tool at our disposal that makes it super easy to make your voice heard. In one click, send a pre-written letter... [Read More...]

    • Old Salt: Capt. Eddie Herbert

      Old Salt: Capt. Eddie Herbert

      By Carol M. Bareuther, RD The moon and stars shone brightly in the pre-dawn night as Capt. Eddie Herbert started the engines on the 80-foot Merritt Reel Tight. His destination, the Virgin Islands’ North Drop. Reel Tight owner Jim Lambert Sr. took his passion for fishing seriously. He wanted to be first off the dock so he could catch and... [Read More...]

    • Splash Report: Bayliss Boatworks' Overtime

      Splash Report: Bayliss Boatworks' Overtime

      Every boat built by Bayliss Boatworks is a truly custom project. In the case of Overtime, the newest 67’ 6’’ build to hit the water, the sportfisher is the weapon of choice for a Cabo-San-Lucas-based program. With the help of the experienced captain and owner team, Bayliss Boatworks designed a sportfishing yacht unique enough to meet the demands of conquering... [Read More...]

    • First Build: Jarrett Bay's Sensation

      First Build: Jarrett Bay's Sensation

      By Nichole Osinski "If you’d asked me when I was 16 years old if I was going to build a boat, I would have told you you’re crazy," says Jarrett Bay Founder and President Randy Ramsey when recalling his 30-plus year career in the boat building industry. But to understand how the company has risen to where it is today,... [Read More...]

    • InTheBite Christmas Gift Offers

      InTheBite Christmas Gift Offers

      In addition to the other products listed below, InTheBite is offering two amazing holiday gift deals: a free gift subscription and a hat, shirt and sticker bundle. Act now before the offer ends on December 24th at midnight! Christmas Special: Hat, Shirt & Sticker Bundle (While Supplies Last) Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the fisherman in your life?... [Read More...]

    Search InTheBite

    Copyright © 2023 InTheBite, LLC · All Rights Reserved.