Bilge pump, scuppers and lazarette drains

[Hamster]

This goes on the list of things to check periodically. My boat is an R-23. First, I noticed that my Rule 27SA automatic pump was no longer working. I had opened the hatch and had seen lots of water in the bilge from washing the deck. The automatic cycle (every 2.5 minutes) was not working. Manual use of the pump discharged the water, so not an issue with the pump itself but with the automatic sensor. Checked fuses, and they were fine. I noticed that the electric cycling was inconsistent. I'm thinking the automatic pump failed and the pump needs replacement. Curious if others have thoughts.

Second, I wanted to work on making sure the water from the deck headed out the scuppers rather into the bilge. I took the pressure washer and started to clean the drains out. Lots of dirt bubbling. Finally got it to clean water.

Third, I wanted to clean the bilge and the side lazarette's. I used the pressure washer and noticed that the water was not draining out the weep holes into the bilge from the battery side. Instead, the water was pooling and starting to seep out through the partition into the bilge. The weep hole was blocked, but since it is located way in the back below the batteries, I could not easily get to it to clean it out. I used the pressure washer on the outlet hole in the bilge and was able to finally get the water flowing.

So, clean your bilge. Clean the side lazarette's to make sure that they drain into the bilge. Check that the weep holes discharge water and are clear. Pressure wash to get the crud out. And make sure that the automatic function of the bilge pumps is actually working. If my boat was in the water, it could have continued to fill without activating the pump (but hopefully the higher pump would go on).

 

[knotflying]

Check to make sure there are no debris in the pump and that it is pumping water correctly prior to replacement.
Are your screens removed from the scupper drain screens? Removing drains helps drainage considerably and yes, flushing the drains regularly will ensure that water flow is at maximum. Lifting the rubber flappers also allows and larger debris out that may be lodged near the outlet.
As far as the weeps go, sometimes Ranger forgets to remove the packing installed during construction and the weeps need to be cleared. Sticking a section of wire hanger up the weep help. Better still get a long drill bit a bit smaller than the weep works well. Don't use an electric drill though. You don't want to damage the hull. Just use your hand and push and twist. You need to go in at least 14 inches to get it fully cleared.

 

[Hamster]

Check to make sure there are no debris in the pump and that it is pumping water correctly prior to replacement.

The pump is working correctly in manual mode and I did check for debris. So, I presume it is the automatic function that is failing.

 

[SarahD]

2019 R23

Similar problems. The scupper drains were not draining. I used a garden hose with a high pressure nozzle and stuck the nozzle into the drain after prying off the top caps (the ones with all the drain holes). After a few minutes the drains cleared themselves. I noticed the rubber flappers at the through hull fittings are stiff but I have no idea if they can be replaced without removing the whole through hull which is (as usual on a small boat) a real challenge. Had a lot of trouble putting back the drain screens on the deck fittings. Never did get them perfectly flat.

Also had the same issue with both cockpit electronic bilge pumps. The pumps worked fine, the electronic sensors did not. Replace both. Also, while on the topic, I hope the pod bilge pump lasts forever (fat chance). I stuck my hand in to see if there was water in the pod and felt around for the pump. I could put my hand on it but in no way would I have the clearance or visibility to replace that pump.
In three seasons I replaced both cockpit-locker bilge pumps, the fresh water pump and the shower sump pump. They all failed at various times. I certainly would not buy electric pumps again. Give me the old fashioned, simple flapper valve.

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

I test my aft bilge pump every two weeks when I clean the A/C filter. All of the sea water from the system flows into the bilge. Not enough to activate the bilge pump, but enough for me to not want salt water standing in the bilge. I fill the bilge with a few inches of fresh water a couple of times and wait. The pump kicks in and the flush ensures I don’t have sea water sitting in my bilge pump.

I’m glad I haven’t had the failures I’ve seen described. We did have to replace the A/C pump about 3 weeks after delivery. Not a big deal. Covered under warranty.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SarahD]

Thank you for the reply. It has always been a frustration to do maintenance on smaller boats. I looked at where the scupper drain hose exits the transom and I truly don't see access to replace the flapper valves.

Steve

 

[jimv]

Steve,

This information is from an older boat so I'm not sure how well it applied to your situation - but on my 2011 R27, the exterior of the scupper drains on the transom had a Phillips screw holding down a crescent moon shaped bit of metal in front of the flapper. I could remove the screw and metal hold-down and completely remove the rubber flapper. Made it part of my spring maintenance to make sure the drains were clear. Flappers were in good shape so I would re-install them, but I imagine it would be straightforward to replace them if needed.

~J

 

[Hamster]

I removed my scupper flaps last year (small screws) and have gone a year without. Deck drains great and no issue with back flow.

 

[briandunnington]

Just chiming in to agree with everything posted here:

- R23 and have gone through a couple of bilge pumps so far (same issue: automatic cycling stops working, but manual operation works fine)
- bilge pump in pod was replaced when we bought the boat (used) since it was already inoperable - hope i never have to do the job myself
- removed the scupper rubber flaps last year and drainage is MUCH better. i held on to them for a long time wondering if i might want to reinstall them, but i see no reason to at this point

havent checked my weep holes in some time, but very rarely have water in the side lazarettes. will be testing them out this week though to make sure they are clear

 

[Hamster]

I should have mentioned that I have replaced my swim pod bilge pump and when I did, I left extra wire I zip tied so that I could replace in the future. The hardest part, in fact I’ve found it impracticable, is to remove the ribbed drain hose, so I’ve always left that in place and replaced the pump only.