well honestly, I don’t know what “a lot” is as I’ve never even had my/a boat in the water before like this. but for example, over night, there’s 100% a need for running it. center storage has like 2-3” of water. it pumps out quick, but it collects. and no...not weather. I’m in Sacramento on the river. it’s like mid-90’s hot rn. there’s tide, current, and passerbyers constantly. is this normal?
and thanks...it’s on a tender so I’m safe. I’ll go flip the switch today and measure the water line. I left it yesterday at about 4pm so I’ll see how it looks.
If the boats in the water (assuming the stock pump), then the bilge switch should be on. It will check and pump as needed. I like the system myself, but many prefer a float switch system. If I was leaving the boat in the water continuously, I think there is a good case for a solar trickle charger, float switch, and hardwired bilge. For a weekend lake boat, I think the "auto" style is just fine. FYI, I replaced mine this year. 150hrs on the engine, and mid-way through season #4 on the water. The new part number from Yamaha has an upgraded/changed filter basket on the bottom, it's an easy swap, but it does require removing the old basket and attaching the new one with the same screws. Took me about 30min.
You have a leak somewhere sir. Mine will sit on the water for days without taking on additional water (assuming it's not raining)
Easiest thing to check, which happened to be a LOT early on, was debris around the drain plugs. Next time you're in the water around the back of the boat, pull the plugs out, and let some water rush into the hull, then put the plug back. This will clear debris and lubricate the seal slightly. Crank it in there pretty tight as well. If you can easily get the boat on a trailer, then pull the plugs and use some O-Ring lubricant on those plug seals and that will help as well.
Also, keep in mind that your cupholders (from the factory) are NOT sealed. The ones on the rear swim platform drain DIRECTLY into the bilge. This is a HUGE water access area if you are doing a lot of swimming/jumping/watersports off the back deck. My toddler LOVES to sit on the rear platform and dump buckets of water on his head. I could watch the bilge respond to each bucket with about a 1min delay.
Also check the rear storage area, and "reseal" this area. The access panel often has stripped screws, poor sealant around the perimeter, and around the access holes, as well as a poorly sealed drain. The drain ALSO doesn't have a check valve in it, so when you come off plane water rushes against the back of the boat and backflows into the storage area, and then drains into the bilge. Kind of a PIA that area is. It's convenient and all, but it leaks like a seive.
I absolutely HATE how much water gets on the INSIDE of the boat, and how often my bilge pump runs. It was mildly infuriating for the first few seasons. I've learned to just be OK with it, and keep an eye on bilge pump activity. So long as it isn't running constant, it's really no big deal, just a nuisance.
