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Hi new member from MA:
Purchased a new to me 2001 Dauntless 18. I have a slip for the summer. The boat does not have 'auto' on the bilge. What is the best way to leave it safely at the dock? I have a full mooring cover for it, but it seems that it will be hard to put on in the water. We get some large summer rains and I'd rather not test the unsinkability! I'm looking at getting some covers for the console, seat, and rear bench to leave on.

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I am not familiar with your boat I guess it is not self bailing but it is pretty easy to put a automatic float switch on your pump or you could replace it with one that has an automatic switch in it. MY father has a 15ft 2004 BW and if he is not in the boat he will pull the plug and it don't get any water in it unless he climbs aboard.

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Hello new member,

Whalers are supposed to be self bailing what ever that means... I don't think it will stay very dry though... The Dauntless is fairly heavy. I would suggest replacing your pump with an auto pump. There are simple models that do not require any wiring changes. They have sensors that check for water periodically and turn on. I had a 15 foot jon boat (with no cover) that I installed a simple Rule pump that had a electronic sensor. I connected directly to lawn mower batter with a fuse. Never had a problem except for charging every few weeks. The Jon boat did not have charging system.

Good luck with you new boat!!!

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I just cover my seat on my sport 15', the boat get's left at the dock all season with a Rule 500 gph bilge pump hooked up to an auto float switch. This is wired directly to the 12v battery with an "In-line" fuse for circuit protection.

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Jon,
Self bailing, for lack of scientific terms is basically, when there is an equilibrium of water pressure so that an opening in the bottom of the hull will allow a limited amount of water to move in and out of the boat based on the weight of the boat sitting in the water. Any additional water will drain in or out through the opening in the hull. The more weight added to the boat will cause it to sit lower in the water, allowing more water to enter the boat. As the weight is removed from the boat, it will sit higher in the water, and the water will exit the boat.

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K2 -

A full cover will help shed most of the water but being prepared for worst case is best.

You can wire a bilge pump with float switch directly to the battery. When the water level rises the pump will turn on. No intervention required.

Another option is to replace the existing switch and wiring to a 3 way setup (on/off/auto].

In addition to a bilge pump, it is important to keep the scuppers clean and ensure they do not get clogged with debris. If they have flaps, ensure they are working correctly. Periodically check for algae, barnacle growth.

If the boat will sit and not be run every week, I would consider a solar charger to help maintain the battery.

I saw dozens of boats, including 2 Outrages, 4 Montauks, 2 170's and a Katama this fall that were almost swamped at a marina due to heavy rains and dead batteries.

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Phil's correct, ya gotta keep an eye on the hull after a storm or heavy rain, also don't expect the bilge pump to last as long as on a covered boat, I replace mine every two years because, it really gets a work out.

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i to have an open montauk with seat and console covers only. being from Long Island, i get the same heavy summer rains. i installed a750 automatic rule last year in the ever-so-small bilge hole. works great except on the heavy rains. Rule decided that the water was rushing into the bilge opening so fast that air mixed into the water and air-bound trhe pump. they said to dam the water or somehow slow the flow. dont know how to do that so i am going to build a removable small pump and battery and put it on the deck when heavy rains are expected. i dont trust the pull-the-plug routine; not with 28 gallons of fuel, 310#'s of motor, and ??#'s of battery.

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A while back, I remember another member reporting that enlarging the opening to the vent hole (with a slightly larger drill bit) on the "Rule" bilge pump will eliminate the "Air Lock".