How much water is "ok" to come into the boat while on the water?

Question

It is a 1985 fiberglass runabout boat with an i/o OMC motor. The water comes up between the seats from the bilge because there is nothing separating them.

I understand that it is ok for some water to come into the boat while its on the water, but how much is too much? We started and stopped quite a few times and got about an inch of water. Also, how can I tell if I have an automatic bilge pump that will turn on when the water reaches a certain level? Is there a way to test when it will come on? Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

That is way too much water.

Your bilge pump is not working or it is over-worked.

Sounds like your bellows are cracked.

Or.............

Your exhaust system is leaking and pumping water in the bilge.

Answer 2

Water comes into boats from spray when you hit waves, from swimmers when they climb on board, from rain plus whatever ice/beverages you bring on board with you and spill.

Any amount of water from these sources is ok, as long as your bilge pumps are working.

Any amount of water from any other source is too much.  You've got a leak, best find it & patch it.

If you have an automatic bilge pump, it's not working -- shouldn't take more than an inch or two to turn it on.

Best way to see what you've got in your bilge is "visual inspection".

Answer 3

Where is the water entering the boat as no water should enter unless spray or rain>The bilge is in the lowest part of the bilge most time under the engine aft> Auto== is located near or on the pump> Might want to get some 1 to help you with the functions of the boat before there are problens you can't solve and you out on the water>

Answer 4

In this vessel you should not be getting water into the bilge! There could be a host of reasons why this is occuring from a bad boot on the outboard (easy fix) or something more serious.

Normally the bilge pump is located under the engine and attached to the boat. If it's an automatic it will have a float coming off it. As the float rises it triggers the pump. You should be able to see it if it exists and check to see if it is operable by flushing water from a hose into the bilge. No pump though you have a problem and can install one but after figuring out where the water is coming in from and getting that repaired.

Good luck!

Answer 5

No water coming on your boat is good. It should stay under the floor boards on a run about in the engine compartment Or the hull. boats usually always take on some water as long as the bulge can get it out faster then it comes in you should be alright but I would keep a spare one on board to replace the old one when it burns out. If it is constantly moving water something bad is going to happen to it. you should defiantly have a bucket or two on your boat for manual bailing. Also if you had an automatic bilge it would turn on when is sensed water by the lever that comes off the pump it looks like a floatt.

Answer 6

I have an I/O motor on my boat. Although some people say you get  water in the bilge from swimmers getting in and out, etc I have never gotten even a drop of water in my bilge as a result of swimming, splashing, etc. Sounds like you either have a major leak or you forgot to put the plug back in before getting into the water.