10 Bilge pumps and draining
The bilge pump removes excess water that accumulates in the bilge during the boat operation.
Depending on the model and equipment level, your boat is equipped with automatic electric and/or manual bilge pump(s).
To ensure stability it is important that the amount of water in the bilge is kept to a minimum. It is, however, natural that the bilge always contains a small quantity of water that the bilge pumps cannot remove.
The bilge pump system is not designed to control flooding caused by running aground or by any other structural damage.
Make sure that there is at least one bucket or bailer kept aboard the boat. It must be attached to the boat by a rope to prevent loss.
Regularly inspect the bilge pumps and clean their suction heads of any waste. You can access the pump through the bilge pump service hatch.