Baja Marine 242 manual Bilge & Underwater Gear, Fuel & Oil Spillage, Bilge Pumps, Drain Plug

Section 4 • Bilge & Underwater Gear

1.Bilge

A.Fuel & Oil Spillage

Regulations prohibit discharging fuel or oily waste in navigable waters. Discharge is defined as any action which causes a film, sheen or discoloration on the water surface, or causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the water surface. A common violation is bilge discharge. Use rags or sponges to soak up fuel or oily waste, then dispose of it properly ashore. If there is much fuel or oil in the bilge, contact a knowledgeable marine service to remove it. Never pump contaminated bilge overboard.

Fill fuel tank less than rated capacity. Allow for fuel expansion.

C.Bilge Pumps

!WARNING

Sinking Hazard – Ensure the bilge pumps are operating properly.

!CAUTION

Run bilge pumps in the manual position only as long as necessary to remove water. Running bilge pumps dry can damage the pump motor.

A bilge pump and float switch are located in the bottom of the bilge (Figure 4.1.2). The bilge pump is manually activated from the switch panel located on the helm.

B. Drain Plug		Bilge Pump and Float Switch
The bottom of the engine compartment is called
		(Fig 4.1.2)
the “bilge”. It is the lowest and inner part of the hull.
Water and other liquids will collect here.		Bilge Pump
After removing your boat from the water, unthread
the drain plug to drain the bilge (Figure 4.1.1).
!	DANGER
Install and tighten drain plug before launching boat.
Boat will sink if drain plug is not in place and tight.		Float Switch
Drain Plug
(Fig 4.1.1)	CUTaWay VIEW	Before starting the engine, press the bilge pump
		switch so that the switch light comes ON. Make
	TRansOM/hUll
		sure the pump is working by opening the engine
		compartment, listening to hear the pump running
	gaRBOaRD	and check to see that liquid is being pumped out
		from the hull discharge. If the bilge has more liquid
	DRaIn
	CaUlk	than normal, see Maintenance Section for locating
		and correcting the problem.
	UREThanE
	gaRBOaRD
	DRaIn PlUg
242 Islander®		4.1