Stupid question....anyone got a minute to spare and help?

theteacher

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
159
Bought a 1998 Stingry 220CX, 72 hours. Everything works, I think. I turn on the bilge switch and nothing happens. Does this mean there's no water, therefor no need to run ( automatic ) or does it mean it's broken. I'm sure it's just that there's no water to pump out, but how do I check it to make sure it's operable?
Thanks !
 

CheapboatKev

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Oct 4, 2008
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5,813
Re: Stupid question....anyone got a minute to spare and help?

Water or not if you flip her on she should run.
Since you have a switch at the helm, I assume you dont have a "float switch" to automatically come on.
Get a volt meter and check your fuses to see if its blown.
 

seaboo

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Sep 8, 2008
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300
Re: Stupid question....anyone got a minute to spare and help?

Water or not if you flip her on she should run.
Since you have a switch at the helm, I assume you dont have a "float switch" to automatically come on.
Get a volt meter and check your fuses to see if its blown.

You should hear it run but keep in mind these pumps are QUIET, listen well.
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: Stupid question....anyone got a minute to spare and help?

You can have a dash switch AND a float switch . . .

I'm sure it's just that there's no water to pump out, but how do I check it to make sure it's operable?
Stick a hose in the bilge and fill her up . . . if the pump doesn't work you pull the plug. Get the bow up and go for it.
 

theteacher

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jul 13, 2011
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159
Re: Stupid question....anyone got a minute to spare and help?

Thanks guys, I'll do as told.
 

5150abf

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Re: Stupid question....anyone got a minute to spare and help?

Just turn it on and stick your ear against the hull and you should hear it run and if you don't have a float switch on it is highly reccomeneded that you get one, normally by the time you figure out you are taking on wate it is too late..
 

Home Cookin'

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May 26, 2009
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9,715
Re: Stupid question....anyone got a minute to spare and help?

Be aware that a pump can run and not work, so the sound test is the first, but not the last, step. I had one where the shaft broke, so the motor ran, but the impeller didn't.
 

southkogs

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Re: Stupid question....anyone got a minute to spare and help?

Stick a hose in the bilge and fill her up . . . if the pump doesn't work you pull the plug. Get the bow up and go for it.

+1 - This is the fast, easy check.
 

seasprayralph

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 28, 2010
Messages
32
Re: Stupid question....anyone got a minute to spare and help?

your bilge pump switch may have 3 positions (one of my previous boats had this),, UP=manual ,,centre=off ,,down=auto,, or possibly operation positions the reverse ,, worth checking out,, a second option is to check to see if you have an automatic bilge "float" , it will operate when the water level in the bilge reaches a certain height ,to test, simply lift the float slightly ,pump should run
 
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gstrom11

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 3, 2011
Messages
98
Re: Stupid question....anyone got a minute to spare and help?

I had the same issue, took the old pump out and it was melted, pretty cool looking all melted and stuff but not funcional at all. I ordered one from iboats, had it in a day and now I hope I never have to use it!
 
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