[C320-list] Bilge Pump and Ice

[Dean Vermeire]

Hi all,

The bilge pump in our 320 (2001, #847) is behind the port settee, not 
down in the bilge as it was in my previous boats.  The boat is in the 
water this winter, with agitators to prevent ice in our slip.  This is 
the second winter I have had the boat in the water here in Kansas.

The problem is that bilge pump struggles to run and then trips the 
breaker.  I'm not overly concerned, since we are not getting much water 
seeping into the bilge.  I'm not sure where water is freezing, whether 
in the pump itself or the lines.  I've got an electric heater in the 
boat that kicks on at 38 degrees, but that is not helping.  It is not 
getting enough heat to the bilge pump or hoses.

Do any of you have the same problem?  Have any of you solved it?

I'm thinking there must be some sort of heated strip to put up there to 
keep the hoses from freezing.

Thanks,
Dean Vermeire
Moonstruck II (#847)