Bilge Full

[Stewartn]

2014 21 ec. Owned 3 yrs. Yesterday got to boat and ckd oil, coolant and bilge (as always) before starting. Bilge Full. Started engine. Bilge alarm sounded and bilge phone no activated. Bilge was pumped almost dry. Tasted bilge water - sweet, NO salt. Anyone have an issue with float switch, bilge pump on this year and model? Any info appreciated. Thx all.
stewartn@optonline.net

 

[bjp447]

Happens often on my 2012 R21ec. Don't know what float switch you have. I have the Johnson electronic sensor Ultima switch. If the bilge is not kept clean film will get on the sensors (look up sw) and it will either fail to pump or pump till the battery dies. Hot weather will cause alot of growth in bilge. Had one switch leak, filled with water switch would test good but not recognize water. I keep a few spares, switch easy to test and easy to change. Fails about as often as a Rule or other switch. I check my boat weekly, sometimes more often especially with rainy weather. Let us know what you find.

 

[Fisho]

I also have a 2012 21EC. Have standard Johnson bilge pump. Never a problem. Check regularly. Have installed a second Johnson bilge pump manually activated on separate battery that I also check. Never had to use but gives peace of mind. Also carry a spare. Previous post good advice.

 

[Newf]

I have the 2014 21EC and I'm on my 3rd pump and switch. As the others have noted the sensor needs to be kept clean. One of the failed pump/sensor combo failed while I was cruising. Came on and stayed on and overheated. See photos in my album.

You noted that the bilge water was not salty but sweet. Was your coolant level down or did I misunderstand your comment?

 

[lproulx]

I have a 2014. I installed a remote plain float switch in the area under the round access plate just aft of the cabin door. You can easily reach in there and poke it to make sure it moves freely and starts the pump properly. It isn't at the low point in the bilge, so it doesn't pump the bilge dry. As part of my closing up process after using the boat, I use the switch in the cabin to pump the bilge dry. The new float switch takes care of most of whatever water gets in there.

Larry