[C320-list] Dry or Wet Bilge Pump Sump Area

[Utility Email]

I don't think that a slight amount of water in the bilge will hurt your boat at all in the relatively dry and moderate San Diego climate.  However, mopping up this water to keep a dry bilge will help reduce humidity and moisture inside your boat thus making it more comfortable (less clammy Ed sheets, etc.).  

When my C320 was in San Diego, I had the same thing with a slights unit of water ever preset n the bilge after operating the boat.  Puzzled, i initially thought a rain water leak down the mast or weeping keel bolts were the culprit, but no.  What I learned in that every time the under sink 6 gal water heater heats up, that a little bit of water, about 1/2 cup, leaks out through the pressure relief valve on the tank and drains into the bilge.  This is normal.  So I placed a 1 liter bottle over the end of this pressure relief valve drain hose to catch this water. Now I have a dry bilge and much SE's clammy bed sheets.

Dave Swanson
S/V Emily Ann
2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107
Mukilteo, WA


On Oct 14, 2011, at 10:58 PM, David Detrick <dldetrick at live.com> wrote:

> This may be an old question addressed before—but is it ok to have some
> moisture (and maybe a ½ inch or so of water) in the bilge pump sump area? I
> am in San Diego (very dry with no humidity) with a 2004 model C320. I leave
> the fridge on 24/7, and sail 2 or 3 times per month, using the engine for
> about 2 hours each time out (packing gland drips a drop every 8 seconds).  
> 
> 
> 
> Will constant moisture and water mentioned above, be detrimental to my boat
> in any way? Will mop it dry after use if necessary.
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> 
> 
> David Detrick
>