Does anyone know if open boats are also required to run a bilge pump this year...

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Jeff Andrade'

Jeff, all boats have to have a bilge pump. They said at the drivers meeting that if you use one that is float activated, it still has to have a cutoff switch.

I say instead of putting a bandaid on the problen, fix the problem. And that is have a freeboard limit. The sinking I've seen is from water sloshing over the side of the boat.

Joey I agree and as recall Tom sitting out on the rope in Queph back in 98 the waves is what sunk the boat and if we had a bilge pump in the boat then he would have never sank.

 

Thank you, I just installed one...

why are all the hydro's designed with very little freeboard ,especially in the transom area?

My bilge pump discharge is mounted to create extreme thrust when I hit the pump switch! The boat drops 2 sec off the lap times......

 

 

just kidding. 

Scott,

All I need is a bilge pump, with a switch on the dash to turn it on?

 

I don’t need a float activated type?  Correct?

 

The boat is a open RR, and I'll know when my feet get wet to turn on the pump.

 

Larry Wickizer #253 Who’s Your Daddy

 

Larry, that is my understanding. The conversation at the meeting was that if you chose to use a float activated pump, you still needed to have a switch, in the event that you blew an engine and did not put a hole in the hull. They don't want to contaminate the lake. If you blow a hole in it and it's going to sink without the pump, then I know what I would do, but I'm not going to say it.

I am not a tech person. I would suggest you call Mike Isham or IHBA's office. Just trying to help out.

Larry, Ive got a call into a couple of bidge pump makers to get the best one that can handle fuel, oil and salt inside the boat and not eat one up. I talked to fagan and he said that even if you have an automatic pump you still need to a have a switch to turn it off so you dont pump anything into the lake.....just wait till you get on the ramp and pull the plugs...