Before Posting, Please Read Our Posting Guidelines Below.
1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011 2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260 3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.
I just purchased a 150 Super Sport. I am mooring it in a salt water marina in Pender Harbour BC over the summer. I also have ordered a Carver cover which seems very high quality. The question: do I need an automatic bilge pump for the periods of time I'm not here. The problem is that there is no actual bilge area and it will be in the way on the rear deck. The dealer seemed to think with a good boat cover I should be fine. Just worry about heavy rain when we're away. Anyone with similar issue?
I do agree with the dealer that you probably do not need an automatic bilge pump with a good water-resistant cover.
That said it never is a bad idea to have one as you can boat immediately when getting to your mooring. It would be time consuming if you have to bail water when you want to boat.
An automatic bilge pump could drain the battery and then you still can't boat immediately.
Bottom line we all know the boat won't sink so you don't have to worry about that.
If you have a cover and boat somewhat regularly you will not need a bilge pump in the Gulf Islands for the summer season, at least for rainfall while moored. Rainfall is pretty minimal, and a good cover will take care of any spit.
If your boat regularly takes on water over the sides from the big yacht wakes, you may want to consider a pump as one evacuation strategy. It would be less useful if there is truly no sump area.
I was just up to South Pender (Bedwell) and Ganges Harbor yesterday. Very pretty, but it seemed like there was even more boat traffic that the San Juans.
Thanks to each of you for your sound advice. I'm going to forgot about the bilge pump, at least for now, and see how it works with the cover. Knowing it's an unsinkable boat is the insurance of all. Cheers!
