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The bilge pump button on my boat is an on/off button and doesn't have an "auto" setting. I was wondering if I should install an auto bilge pump switch in the bilge and how easy is it to do?
It is probably a back pressure bilge pump, and will run every 3 minutes to check for water. A standard battery will last 2-2.5 weeks in this mode.
I went with the 2d bilge pump because: a) it then is a backup (redundancy: good), b) I could have the best of both worlds (the auto sensing pump and the float-activated pump), and c) I wouldn't need to trace anything or run new wires to the helm (only over to the side to where the batteries were.
Assuming it is still all factory setup, the bilge pump itself is auto and works like @Julian described. But it only has power if the battery switches are on and the switch at the helm is on. I leave the helm switch on all the time with batteries off when not using the boat, and I’m on a lift, so not in the water. If you do leave the boat unattended in the water you may want to mod it, otherwise it is fine as long as you understand how it works.
Just make darn sure your boat isn't filling up with water while on that lift! Otherwise this can happen due to the weight of the water in the boat (lift and pilings can only hold so much):
Yeah....that is a tough one. I have plenty of boating friends who are a great help when we go out. So perhaps more like....."if you aren't good at it, or not sure....offer to help, but don't jump in without asking".
@Julian It's great info like this post that greatly help people understand their boat and enjoy boating. Over the years, I've found the forum full of VERY helpful people and great information. I appreciate you and the others that contribute!This post is intended to give new boat owners, or ones who've not boated in a while, a summary of things they should know BEFORE they go out on the water with their boat. I'm happy to add/modify this first post, so PLEASE tell me things that I have missed and I'll add them and build this up to a comprehensive list. I'm thinking I'll create 2 sections, things you MUST know, and things you should know. Many will include links for further details, and many link to our FAQ.
THINGS YOU MUST KNOW:
- I strongly recommend reading the manual for your boat before taking it on the water. Most if not all of this post will be in the manual. Yamaha manuals are available free on Yamaha's website. Scarab User manuals are here.
- Know what drowning looks/sounds like - its not like the movies - it is quiet and deadly.
- Make sure you have all the required safety equipment on board (life jackets, throwable floatation device, visual flares/signaling device, audible signaling device etc). A marine radio is a must if you are on the ocean. A good anchor is critical (see #11)
- Passengers should never sit on the seats on the swim platform while the engines are on. You risk killing people who sit there via carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Just because there are no props doesn't mean the jetwash isn't dangerous - all boats have a sticker on the transom warning about it. If your boat is used and is missing the sticker here it is:
- Bow riding, although less dangerous with a jet boat is never the less, still dangerous. Bow riding- or sitting on the gunnels (edge of boat) at the front (bow) of the boat is dangerous because if you fall forward, you will be run over by the boat. With a prop boat that can be deadly. But you could catch clothing, life jackets etc in the jet pump and drown. (it is also illegal in most places)
- Understand the operation of your bilge pump. Does it work? Have you tested how it works? Do you know when it should be on, auto, off? Short rule- the bilge pump should always be in "Auto" mode while the boat is in the water - ALWAYS!
- Always open your engine hatch before starting your boat. You are looking for 2 primary things -1) the smell of gasoline (this would be bad), 2) the presence of water (also bad). Remediate either and understand WHY before operating your boat. If you smell strong gasoline fumes-you MUST fix that BEFORE EVER using the boat.
- How to install the drain plugs in the transom - IE don't forget to put them in before launching.
- You must know the basics of navigation on the water. This can be accomplished by reading materials, or a boaters safety course. The latter will also give you a discount on your insurance.
- How to use your anchor and get it to hold.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- How your engine works - what might cause it not to start.
- How to clean stuff out of your jet pump.
- A simple first approach to clearing weeds out of your jet pump - AKA "The Reverse Maneuver"
- What tools you should have on board.
- Know what is good voltage for your batteries -for example 12v is 50% discharged.
- How your running lights work, when they should be on, and what lights shouldn't be on when in the open water (for example docking lights)
- Have a launching and retrieving checklist. Don't be that guy/gal on the ramp who is loading their boat ON THE RAMP - only enter the ramp once you are READY to launch.
- A jet boat is a giant vacuum - it can and will suck stuff up....like sand (which is bad for engine cooling passages). I will happily suck up tow ropes...so ALWAYS have a spotter responsible for the rope! And if a rope gets injested it can be dangerous to those near the rope as it will get pulled in fast possibly causing burns and if tied off, pinning persons or anything.
Also, don't power off beaches etc - this will stir up sand and rocks and potentially 1) jamb your reverse gate(s), 2) get sucked into your cooling system.- How loading and positioning of people in your boat is important. Too much bow weight will change how your boat drives - and will actually mean you can't turn as fast as you normally can. So don't be afraid to tell your passengers to move around - you are the captain. In general, jet boats are not prone to porpoising-but it is an example of a dangerous condition that can be caused simply by too many people sitting in one area. Learn how YOUR boat responds and ADJUST.
- How to disconnect and connect the jet pump gate from then end of the cable using the quick connect on a Yamaha. You need to know this if you make the mistake of powering off a beach and jamb your gate with sand or pebbles (#8 above)
- That jetboats without close loop cooling systems (All Yamahas) cannot be towed (or run on one engine in twin engine models) over no wake speed without clamping off the cooling water intake line or you will flood the engine with water - this is in your manual (So see #1 at the top!)
- Be careful with sunscreen - many will stain your seats - especially spray sunscreens. The same with brand new swim suits - they can leak dye onto the seats!
- How your bilge pump works and how to maintain it (an extension of Must know # 7).
- Do the battery switch(es) need to be on or off?
- Have you cleaned the intake screen (you should check it annually)?
- Do you know that if the intake screen is clogged your pump won't work?
- Could you remove the pump in an emergency by feel alone (ie its underwater) to clean the screen? (most new pumps have two clips on each side holding it to the base)
I'm sure I've missed something, so please point those out and add them! I have added this as a sticky and also add it to the FAQ as its own standalone item.
Lastly, you will get a routine set up, and like all routines, when interupted bad things can happen. So when friends or family come out and offer to help, or just start helping, STOP, and explain to them that although well intentioned, their help might actually cause you to miss something critical. So politely ask them to hold off, and only do things when asked - that way, your routine won't be interupted and a good day will ensue. Many people put together their own checklists - we have one on the fridge for before we leave the house. Things on it like: Keys, cooler, towels, snacks, sunscreen, Keys, tubes, inflator, boards, skiis, charge cords, phones, and did I mention KEYS! LOL
Added in the "should" section!
I've got a flashlight that's a battery jump start and has a USB port. Just in case
Yeah....pretty scary that they give you a boat without a manual! Glad this list was helpful!
Dont know if your other three boats had twin engines or not, use the the engines independently-one forward one reverse- to take advantage of that incredible maneuverability.