Cape Dory 30 Bilge access

[KellyMarcena]

Hi All,

I have a new to me 1978 Cape Dory 30 Ketch in very good shape... but the bilge is very deep, narrow, and hard to access, as it sits under the engine "pan". I have about a 1" opening. This summer I had a fuel leak and the boat began to smell. I cut strips of oil absorbent cloths and let them down with string and clips... a very patient process, but sopped up most of it, then poured some bilge cleaner in. But the bilge pump doesn't seem to evacuate the bottom most part.

So... I'm going to troubleshoot the bilge pump - and see if I can't get all the liquid out (somehow into a safe container and not into the ocean). But as we're nearing the end of our season here in Maine I am also considering putting in a garboard drain once the boat's on the hard. Then I can flush and drain it on land.

Thoughts?

Thanks -

[Don C L]

I don't know the Cape Dory 30 specifically, but I have a void behind the water tank in the keel that could trap liquids. You might try a drill powered pump since the hose is smaller and should reach all the way down to the bottom of the keel. I am not sure, is there a bilge pump that gets every last drop? I haven't seen it yet.

[Orion Jim]

Originally Posted by KellyMarcena

Hi All,

I have a new to me 1978 Cape Dory 30 Ketch in very good shape... but the bilge is very deep, narrow, and hard to access, as it sits under the engine "pan". I have about a 1" opening. This summer I had a fuel leak and the boat began to smell. I cut strips of oil absorbent cloths and let them down with string and clips... a very patient process, but sopped up most of it, then poured some bilge cleaner in. But the bilge pump doesn't seem to evacuate the bottom most part.

So... I'm going to troubleshoot the bilge pump - and see if I can't get all the liquid out (somehow into a safe container and not into the ocean). But as we're nearing the end of our season here in Maine I am also considering putting in a garboard drain once the boat's on the hard. Then I can flush and drain it on land.

Thoughts?

Thanks -

This is a great resource for all Cape Dory owners.
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