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Steve Olson · 13-10-2013, 23:42

New to the marina and I've noticed that neighbors boat, a Catalina 34, is ejecting what I would guess to be up to 1/2 gallon of water out of the stern about once every 30 minutes, day and night. This pumpout only lasts a couple of seconds and takes place even when he's not on the boat.

Could this be anything other than the bulge pump? And, if the bulge pump is having to pump out that much water, shouldn't this be a concern, in the event of a pump or electrical failure?

I'm concerned as I'm told he leaves for weeks or even months at a time.

delmarrey · 13-10-2013, 23:50

There's two things you can do, tell the owner of the boat and the Marina office. I've seen this a lot and most of the time the owner is oblivious! Usually, they no little about maintenance!

Steve Olson · 13-10-2013, 23:58

Yeah, I'll have to tell the marina office, as I think he's left for the East coast for the Winter. It would have to be the bulge pump, yeah?

europaflyer · 14-10-2013, 00:52

Could be the outflow for a fridge... maybe... have you checked if the water's warm?

Steve Olson · 14-10-2013, 01:05

That would be a lot of water from a fridge, I'm thinking. Like I'm saying, it's probably a 1/2 gallon once every 30 minutes.

europaflyer · 14-10-2013, 01:09

Water-cooled fridges do pump out quite a lot, but I'd expect it to be more regular than every 30 minutes. Bilge pump does sound most logical option. Marina office then it's out of your hands!

sailcruiser · 14-10-2013, 01:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Olson

New to the marina and I've noticed that neighbors boat, a Catalina 34, is ejecting what I would guess to be up to 1/2 gallon of water out of the stern about once every 30 minutes, day and night. This pumpout only lasts a couple of seconds and takes place even when he's not on the boat. Could this be anything other than the bulge pump? And, if the bulge pump is having to pump out that much water, shouldn't this be a concern, in the event of a pump or electrical failure? I'm concerned as I'm told he leaves for weeks or even months at a time.

My neighbors water cooled fridge does that periodically. It was strange when it pumped for 3 hours straight. I called him and he checked it later that day to find the breaker had tripped.

I would think a fridge with that regularity. You may want to exchange numbers with the person if you'll be there a bit.
SC

scoobert · 14-10-2013, 05:49

could it be a A/C set to dehumidify?
i think they only run for about 30 seconds before they shut off.
i do not know of a bilge pump switch out there that will turn on for only 1/2 gallon of water. unless the bilge only holds a few gallons?

goat · 14-10-2013, 07:32

Prop shaft packing gland needs a couple of turns. He'll be fine until he loses power or burns out his bilge pump.

Steve Olson · 14-10-2013, 08:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by goat

Prop shaft packing gland needs a couple of turns. He'll be fine until he loses power or burns out his bilge pump.

And then, as his dock lines are secure on the other side, his mast will come crashing down on my boat!? lol Yikes!! It just seems like a lot of water for a dehumidifier. :/

Reach · 14-10-2013, 08:21

Our boat was on a mooring when we first moved aboard and one day we came back to find friendly people from the marina aboard worrying about water flowing out from our bridgedeck.

They thought it was our bilge pumping out a leak. In reality it was summertime and our AC was on, but we sure did appreciate their help and the sentiment of watching out for us and our boat.

Steve Olson · 14-10-2013, 08:27

Yeah, but what makes it odd is that he's left for the Winter and likely won't be back for a long time. Common sense would say to shut things like that down, right?

tropicalescape · 14-10-2013, 08:33

There is a dinner boat that is beside my boat it it shoots out water 24/7, looks as though they have a hose pipe going full force...Might be normal..

Reach · 14-10-2013, 08:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Olson

Yeah, but what makes it odd is that he's left for the Winter and likely won't be back for a long time. Common sense would say to shut things like that down, right?

AC yes, but dehumidify maybe not. A quick check-in with the owner should be appreciated whatever the case.