Foward Bilge Components Picture Quiz...

[GaylesFaerie]

Hi, I have a 2012 R27 Luxury edition with 4 components in the forward bilge. (1) is a bilge pump, (2) a bilge switch (I thought the pump (1) had its own float switch???), and (3) are 2 cube shaped boxes.

Pic: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vFqmqyg51ynQPTHW9

Does anyone know what the black capped cubes do? Also, is (2) a redundant bilge switch for the pump or does the pump need a secondary component to switch it on?

I'm also about to winterize here in the NE and am wondering how to winterize the forward bilge pump which is mounted higher in the bilge than the aft pump. It seems like I could be pouring antifreeze into the bilge all day just to have it pumped out by the aft pump before reaching a high enough level to trigger the forward pump. Can I pour AF in via the through hull for the forward pump?

Finally, any best practices / materials for cleaning the bilge and walls?

Sorry, no prizes other than satisfying this first time owner's thirst for knowledge (and avoiding headaches in the future).

GF

 

[Brian B]

Can’t help with the black boxes.
As far as winterizing the forward pump if it never pumped water there shouldn’t be any water in it. You could pull the fuse on the rear pump and fill the bilge with antifreeze but that seems like a waste. You could pump antifreeze in the through hull as long as there isn’t a check valve in the pump discharge hose.
Simple Green is a pretty good cleaner.
Is that black residue in the pic from your belts? Check them for wear.

 

[bob daily]

Just a guess! But could it be your high bilge water alarm sensor? As to why there is two of them, sometimes it's easier to leave old (bad) unit in place and install new unit next to it, unless you have two alarms. You might want to trace wires to see what it is attached to that would answer your question. As for #2 that is a ultra safety system bilge pump switch, so your boat has been upgraded to a top of the line float switch for the fwd pump. Let me know if I win! Bob

 

[GaylesFaerie]

Thanks Brian, makes sense that there is probably no water in the pump. I suppose it won't hurt to put some antifreeze in thru the hull port.

Thanks Bob, so regarding the Ultra switch, does that mean the forward pump has two switches? one internal and the added Ultra? Sorry no winners so far, the main quiz is really about those black boxes which look to be velcroed to the bilge wall.

Thanks again to you both, GF

 

[HRowland]

I can answer this, I was the first owner of your R27. The Johnson sensors for the upper Bilge pump and high water alarm both failed. I replaced the Bilge pump switch with an Ultra Bilge Pump Switch Junior. One of the square items is a float switch for the high Bilge alarm, the second is for the high Bilge alarm connection to the Siren Marine MTC remote monitor and alert system. The MTC also senses Bilge pump activity, house battery voltage, Shore power status, and has a geo fence alert.

Howard

 

[GaylesFaerie]

Ah, thank you Howard for your answers and thank you for taking good care of the boat. I especially appreciate the diligence you took in keeping your maintenance log. It is very instructive and explained a lot to a first time power boat (and a complicated one at that) owner. You made some significant modifications and as far as I can tell did them with expertise and care. Given your electrical skills, would you mind commenting on my query about the "Correct Battery connection for Solar charger?". I know its been a few years since you owned the boat but I would appreciate any insights you may have given the modifications. viewtopic.php?f=5&t=16786 Thanks again, GF

 

[GaylesFaerie]

Forgot to mention, Howard wins!