Is there a bilge on a Mac 19?

[Tom]

I just purchased a Mac 19, and don't know much about it so here goes. Does the Mac 19 have a bilge that I have to worry about pumping out? As far as I can tell there is no bilge pump on the boat.

 

[steve paul]

Bilge pump

I'm not sure it's an actual bilge but you should have a manual bilge pump and a hose long enough to reach into the cockpit. A large sponge will be helpful as well. Someday if you still feel the need then a float switch electric pump would be nice especially if you plan to leave the boat in the water.Steve P.

 

[oldiesrocker2001]

A bilge of sorts

A bilge of sorts is likely to be found under the berths in the cuddy cabin. If it's anything like my V21 water will collect there sometimes from the keel swing bolt and hopefully not from a below decks leak. My 21 has small holes from the cabin into the bilge area under the v-berths(Big enough to let water from the cabin into the bilge, but not big enough to allow a lot of water go in a hurry). I don't sail under stormy conditions without closing the companionway hatch and hatch cover lest a rogue wave swamp us. The biggest problem with my bilge pump (electric w/autofloat) is old styrofoam bits clogging the strainer in the pump. I've vacuumed out the bilge with a shop vac at the beginning and end of every season to get excess water and styrofoam bits out, but there's still plenty there each season.