Boating Tips: Clean that Bilge

Yesterday I had to give a boat owner some bad news. The reason boat his bilge pumps quit working and his boat nearly sank is because of a dirty bilge. Oil in his case was in the bilge due to a mishap filling his two cycle oil reservoir. There was also some hydraulic fluid it the bilge due to a trim tab leak. It doesn't take much oil or fuel or hydraulic fluid to damage the plastic bilge pump automatic float switch housings.

So maintaining a clean bilge is a heck of a lot more important than most boaters may realize. There are some simple tips to maintain a clean bilge.

First don't spill or drop stuff in it. If you do clean it up. Don't put off cleaning because it wasn't that much because it don't take that much.

Second, install one of the oil absorbing pillows in the bilge to catch any petroleum spills that my have gone unnoticed. They are cheap and effective if you stick you head down there once in a while to make sure they are clean.

Third, anytime you wash your boat put some soap in the bilge to slosh around during your next trip or trailer ride home.

Finally, if you have a major spill break out the wetvac and the dish washing liquid and get to work.

A dirty bilge is more than a sign of a poor captain it is an accident waiting to happen. So keep it clean.

This article has not been reviewed by nor does it reflect the views of Associated Content. It is short and to the point because I like it that way.