R29 Bilge Question

[aroett]

Hello.
I have a new to me 2010 Ranger-29 classic. So far, we are loving it!

Background:
Under the forward bunk there is a white shelf on floor. Under that shelf is another gelocoated compartment and floor and the shower sump box. In front of the shower sump box there is a hole cut in the white gelcoated false floor and it exposes another small bilge and the bottom of the inside of the hull. My depth transducer is mounted in there.
I discovered a lot of fresh water in this bottom bilge last weekend. I’m not sure where this water is coming from as it could have been in there from before I bought the boat.

Questions:

1. How far forward/back does this very bottom bilge go? I don't think it goes all the way to engine room as there seems to be a full bulkhead in front of the engine. Is there another location where this bottom bilge could be pumped out? It’s quite difficult getting access to the water through the small cutout in the false floor under bunk and since the boat leans back a bit, I assume there is more water further aft.

2. Any thoughts on where this fresh water could come from? Haven’t troubleshot it yet. One obvious thought is that if the shower sump box ever overflows because it’s not pumping fast enough for whatever reason, then the water would get down to this bilge. Shower sump box seems to be working fine but as I said, I don’t know the history.

Thanks for any help you all can provide!

Adey

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Adey,

The water could be coming from a lot of sources, but the shower sump box is probably the most likely culprit. Check the pump inside the box and make sure that it is not clogged and can pump the water out without obstruction. It is possible that the pump is working properly but can't get all of the water out due to obstructions at the strainer.

You are right, that area does not go past the bulkhead you saw, but there are a couple of limber holes that should allow water to drain from that area aft under the fuel tank and into the aft bilge. If it is not draining, then the limber holes are probably plugged. As you said, it all depends on the history and what the previous owner may have had clog things up down there. Only way to know for sure is to literally start poking around. 🙂

Hope this helps,

Ralf