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 can be equipped with automatic electric and/or manual bilge pump(s).
Risk of flooding
The bilge pump system is not designed to control water ingress caused by running aground or other structural damage.
Make sure that at least one bucket or bailer is kept on board. It must be attached to the boat with a rope to prevent loss.
Some smaller boats that are designed to be emptied using a removable pump or a bailer may not have a bilge pump installed as a standard equipment. If you wish to install a bilge pump on a boat that is not equipped with one, contact an authorised service.
Regularly inspect the bilge pumps and clean their suction heads of any waste. You can access the pump through the bilge pump service hatch.
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.