This feels like a really dumb question.... '17 R23 bilge pumps

[Spencer2829]

I have a new-to-me '17 R23. When I bought the boat the bilge was dry. After some time in moorage, it has an inch or so of water in the bottom, which isn't enough for the pumps to pump out. of course. What do people do about that inch of water? Do you just leave it, or do you manually pump or soak it out of there every once in a while? It feels wrong to just leave the soup in there, but I've never considered how to dry it up.

Also, its my understanding that the bilge pumps are always on, and will automatically click on when there's enough water. The pump switches at the helm are just to force them on even if the automatic switches aren't triggered, do I have that correct?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[OverTime]

I Shop-Vacced mined and then cleaned the bilge. The water down there is from the shaft gland leakage. 5-6 small drips per minute while stationary. Once in awhile, I'll drop an absorbant pad edge down there to make sure there is no oil or fuel down there. Your set-up may be different.

 

[Spencer2829]

I Shop-Vacced mined and then cleaned the bilge. The water down there is from the shaft gland leakage. 5-6 small drips per minute while stationary. Once in awhile, I'll drop an absorbant pad edge down there to make sure there is no oil or fuel down there. Your set-up may be different.

Thanks! A shop vac is a great idea.

 

[mik]

Good sponge and a bucket!

 

[Spencer2829]

I wound up pouring water in the bilge until the pump kicked on to confirm it worked and then I soaked up the rest with a big sponge. Glad to know that all works! Thanks for your help.