We had a nasty scare last night after our Wednesday night race. We were motoring back to the dock - about a half hour trip and I climbed down the companionway into about 2 inches of bay water. The bilge was full and overflowing as we motored along. Inspection revealed no leaks that i could see from the engine compartment - shaft log, water pump, muffler and exhaust and thru hulls were all fine. I jump up to the head and check all 3 thru hulls there - all dry.
We finally get the auto bilge pump working and pumped all the water out - and no more leak. I believe that the float switch may have been stuck. So here's my theory - under power the 30 MK1 tends to squat and the bilge outlet is below the water on the stern. We had had rain the week before and I had neglected to turn on the manual switch to get out the last of any water in the bilge - the float switch always leaves a few cupfuls in the bilge. I am thinking that while under way with the outlet submerged, the bilge pump cycled on. Then - as usual - the remaining water in the hose flowed back into the bilge. But this time with the outlet underwater, it started water siphoning into the boat. After cleaning it all up I checked it in the morning - and it was dry as usual. The bilge hose has a high loop in it but no air break or check valve. I am thinking a check valve or an air break would keep this from happening again - any opinions would be welcome. Oh - and I think I will fix the manual bilge pump that I have been putting off for a while! thanks, Joe
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