Water removal from boat cabin

[greeneyedjack]

Ok, I have a 1984 28' Oday that because of Family issues (lost both my parents last year) has been neglected. I want to refurbish her up to her old standard. Upon inspection I have about two feet of water in the cabin and of course there is a some diesel fuel floating on top. I understand call a pro, but is there anyway with a filter attached to a pump I can pump it out? I'm assuming my bilge pumps have burned out because there is juice in the battery. I got a feeling I'm going to be asking many questions as I move forward.

 

[Harlan]

Drill a hole in the bilge and let it drain into a drum. Easier than pumping and easy enough to patch the hole when done. Good luck!

 

[Panta Rei]

Drill a hole in the bilge and let it drain into a drum. Easier than pumping and easy enough to patch the hole when done. Good luck!

I agree very easy to fill. You likely be using plenty of epoxy I the near future.
You will be flushing with chlorine to remove mildew and detergents for the diesel and oil.
Please take photos and keep us posted.

Good luck!

 

[Pat]

Is the boat in the water on a cradle or trailer?...There are many pumps you can use to pump the water out of the boat. Where do you believe the water has come from? Sinking? Rain? Once you get the water out you can look it over down below and determine he best course of action....I can't speak for the condition of the diesel engine. There are a lot of questions. I would first put an electric submersible pump down in her and get the worst of the water out....Good Luck1

 

[greeneyedjack]

Ok, the boat is still in the water and my best guess is that it is from rain water or the water tank. The big problem with pumping it out is that it has fuel in it. It is mostly water, but there is definitely fuel in it and too much to skim off. I will definitely have photos of the whole refit.

 

[kappykaplan]

Have you considered using "Oil Sorb" cloths to soak up the fuel?

 

[Apex]

There are pads that will absorb the diesel, not the water. Likely your best bet. Submersible pump can get below the fuel to pump out but if you do, the fuel will coat top down....

 

[Panta Rei]

Check out the thread "And so it begins" by 25yearslater. It will be a great resource for you. You might want to seriously consider getting the boat out of the water. It may save you in slip fees and will allow you to work on it. (please send photos of the bottom when you get it out) you may have your own Ecosystem.
Get a roof or a tarp over it so it starts to dry out. Drain or pump the water out from the bottom until you start picking up oil. Then put the rest in a drum to separate. Don't add any detergent , cleaners, or solvents. These will prevent the natural separation.
Have fun

 

[greeneyedjack]

All great advice, I think I'm going to hook up a pump and pump out what I can before it hits the surface oil. I'm going to use a bilge filter quick kleen for the surface oil. I will first test it out, before pumping it overboard. Now to find a DIY yard to work on it. If anyone has any knowledge on the boat yard, don't be shy. I appreciate all your help.

 

[the_alpine]

Salt Creek Marina in StPete is a DIY yard.

 

[njlarry]

Next time she is hauled, add a garboard drain plug. Easy to do and worth itss wait in gold if you ever store on the hard. It is amazing how much rainwater can collect in a bilge with the smallest deck leak.
After using an oil adsorping pad, i would bail/pump the majority, then shop vac the remaining.
Hope next year will be a year of smooth sailing for you.

 

[greeneyedjack]

Thank you Alpine and NJLarry all good suggestions. Appreciate one and all!