how much water do you take on?
 

I am new to boating, just a disclaimer. I have taken out my boat three times. First time, took the plug out and ZERO water came out. Second time about 1/2 an ounce came out. Third time probably 1/4 cup came out. Everyone tells me that it will take on a little water, just wonderning why and how much is acceptable. I have yet to use my bilge and it has never come on automatically. I don't think the boat has ever taken on any water, engine area looks absolutely brand new.

When the water gets up around your ankles....you've taken on too much. :rolling_laugh:
Seriously though... most boats have a bit of water in the bilge particularly if they're left moored in the water. Rain, boat wakes, stern wash etc all trickle in at various points and unless the water gets up past the bilge pump & it doesnt start working it shouldn't be an issue.

Well that's a good thing right? A boat that doesn't leak... :)

Any water that mine has taken on has come pretty much exclusively though my top (rain water) or water off the passengers as they board . (Which is OK though as women in wet bathing suits are always welcome on my boat.)

On my Shabah when the bilge pump begins to suck air, there are still a couple of cups of water in the back. That's about the most I've ever had come out the drain plug.

I've done lauches and come back dry.

Even if the top is tight and doesn't leak, storing the boat in the water for periods will cause moisture to condense on the inside of the hull and eventually fill the bilge.

My bilge stayed pretty wet for most of the summer. Not enough for cause concern, but enough that it was visible and the bilge pump could not pickup anymore water.

I know I have posted this same topic before on here, but according to my uncle, having a bit of water in the bilge is fine. If raw fuel happens to leak/dump into the bilge, then the water is there to sort of filter out the raw fuel and make it less lethal to explosions.

Another good tool to keep on board (yep I have one).

http://www.carlislepaddles.com/downloads/bilge_pump.jpg

http://www.ajaytrading.co.uk/media/HandBilge.JPG

These pumps will get just about all the water out from back there. Just make sure the hose is long enough that it can pump the water overboard. I managed to swamp the bow of my boat last summer and immediately my girlfriend grabbed the pump and began pumping while I was keeping the bow up and running the bilge. We were ok after about 5minutes or so of pumping.

I'am still curious to see how much water we actually took on that day. She told me "you don't want to know".

I could go sooooooo many places with this:rolling_laugh:... but it's a clean board and I'll let Mikeyt have the floor...:D

I am not gonna say anything on this one..... :rolling_laugh:

bugger :rolling_laugh:

bugger :rolling_laugh: