Center Storage and Bilge Pump

Shawn

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Hi All,

I followed the advice of most everyone and got the center tube storage. For those of you who have this and keep your boat slipped, do you keep the bilge off or set to auto. If it is in auto mode the light on the switch stays lit - seems like a sure way to drain the battery. Maybe it won't but I'm not sure. The boat will remain covered when not in use so maybe "off" is the best way to go.

Since I'm considering putting the boat in today and rain is forecast this afternoon I guess I need to come to a conclusion. Thanks.
 
Even though I keep the mooring cover over my boat at all times when we aren’t using the boat, we usually get some water in the center storage after a very heavy rain. We don’t keep our pump on auto. I usually just check it out and use the pump when I discover it’s needed. I keep the dual battery switch in the off position. Do you have electricity at the slip where your boat is moored? Might use a batt. charger and then leave the bilge pump on auto.
 
Ditto above advice. I turn my battery switch to off when done for the day anyway as a precaution on battery drainage. I will often flip my bilge pump to auto when the boat is in use, and turn it off with other switches when I dock it.
 
Same here. I have never had much water to speak of in the center tube.
 
I left it off...
 
Hi All,

I followed the advice of most everyone and got the center tube storage. For those of you who have this and keep your boat slipped, do you keep the bilge off or set to auto. If it is in auto mode the light on the switch stays lit - seems like a sure way to drain the battery. Maybe it won't but I'm not sure. The boat will remain covered when not in use so maybe "off" is the best way to go.

Since I'm considering putting the boat in today and rain is forecast this afternoon I guess I need to come to a conclusion. Thanks.
I was told by the dealer that the Auto function is not enabled and that the only way to run the center storage bilge pump is to turn it to ON. That was on my new 2019 RSB. Not sure if they are all like that.
 
...and even if you get some water in the center tube, it’ll mostly drain out through the big hole in the aft end of it.
 
...and even if you get some water in the center tube, it’ll mostly drain out through the big hole in the aft end of it.
I think you're confusing the pontoon with the motor pod. If the pontoon had open drain holes it wouldn't float.
 
If we have wet weather I usually leave it in auto at the dock over night with no issues. I have a trailer queen but I just leave it off and check it periodically.
 
I was told by the dealer that the Auto function is not enabled and that the only way to run the center storage bilge pump is to turn it to ON. That was on my new 2019 RSB. Not sure if they are all like that.

Mine said the exact opposite. In fact, most boats that I deal with (daily, as I'm a broker) the bilge is wired so it will operate if the float is pushed up by water filling the space EVEN IF THE BATTERY SWITCH IS OFF and regardless of the dash switch setting. This is the way it's supposed to work but I have seen some that do not work that way. If it's done right, the only way to prevent your bilge from coming on is to disconnect the battery.
 
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