I hate to see water always standing in my 309 bilge. Mainly from the AC condensate, but also when using the ice box. I recently solved the main problem, the AC condensate by installing a Mermaid " Condensator" . It uses a simple ( not cheap) Venturi in the AC cooling/ heating raw water to siphon the condensate overboard with the raw water. No need to open the AC box (wasted 2 hours). Install the Venturi in the outlet hose on the port side near the thru hull. Cut the hose draining the condensate to the bilge, just aft of the AC unit at the bottom and hook the supplied clear line with a hose adapter ( mine was a different size) from Home Depoit. I added hose clamps on the suction hoses. Note the outlet water is now foamy because it sucks in air when there is no condensate.
Eliminate Water from Bilge
- Thread starter rk6johnson
- Start date
The condensator is a great device. I bought a similar Marvair condensator when I moved up to my 355, only to find out that Catalina now plumbs the AC condensate line to the automatically-pumped shower sump on this boat. Consequently, I have a new-in-the-box condensator for sale to anyone interested - PM me.
Another source of bilge water on the 309 is rainwater following the electric cables down the mast, then entering the bilge through the compression post. I had this issue for the 7 seasons I owned my 309, and was never able to stop it though not for lack of trying. Some time when you're on the boat during rain, lift the floorboard and look at the base of the compression post. It's usually only a slow trickle, but enough to activate the bilge pump in anything more than a drizzle. Good luck!
Another source of bilge water on the 309 is rainwater following the electric cables down the mast, then entering the bilge through the compression post. I had this issue for the 7 seasons I owned my 309, and was never able to stop it though not for lack of trying. Some time when you're on the boat during rain, lift the floorboard and look at the base of the compression post. It's usually only a slow trickle, but enough to activate the bilge pump in anything more than a drizzle. Good luck!
I have no leakage. Since I'm in FL, I'd have plenty of chances. I know the ice box drains to bilge, but rarely used so bilge should look much better
Check the fittings on the hot / cold waterlines that go to the aft deck shower. The fittings on my boat #20 were cheap brass that would rust or leak. These are located at the base of the companionway steps under that small floor hatch.