You failed to read his post. His water problem was after it rained heavily.

"RG" wrote in message news:0bE4f.2727$i%.2490@fed1read07...

"Marty Schulze" wrote in message
...
Own a 1998 250DA. In this, or similar models, does anyone know if the
forward bilge (bow to bulkhead just aft of shower sump) is connected (as
in "drains") into the aft bilge (Engine compartment?) The aft bilge
remained dry (with it's bilge pump operating) during this weeks heavy
rains, but the forward bilge accumulated about 6 inches, flooding over
the cabin floor. Strangely, The isolated shower sump pump (liocated in
the forward bilge) does not allow surrounding bilge water in it's
enclosure. (Why not?)
If the two bilges are connected (under the fuel tank,) does anyone know
of ways or ideas as how to clear the path?

Marty on the NJ Shore
Sent 9:42 PM, October 16th, 2005



The two bilges are most not connected. That is why the aft bilge remained
dry. I believe that what you'll find is that the pump in the
self-contained shower sump has failed, and water has accumulated in the
sump and overflowed into the surrounding forward bilge and then onto the
cabin floor. The lid to the sump is not watertight. The pump inside the
sump has its wiring exposed to the water in the sump and is subject to
corrosion. The pump is still functional, but the wiring has corroded and
a connection has been broken. There is one wire that goes directly to the
pump and another that is interrupted by a float switch, which also resides
in the sump. Remove the four screws from the top of the sump and manually
lift the float. This would normally engage the pump, but if I'm correct,
it will not due to the broken connection. You will have to remove the
water manually as best you can from the forward bilge and the sump and
then repair the broken wire. If the wiring in the sump is too far gone,
West Marine sells replacement self-contained sump assemblies.

Where does the water come from? Obviously the shower, but a lesser known
source is the air conditioning unit, if your boat is so equipped. The
drain pan from the AC unit feeds into the shower sump, and a considerable
amount of water gets deposited into the sump over time. Once the wiring
to the pump fails, it is simply a matter of time before the sump overflows
into the forward bilge. Since the only natural way for water to enter the
forward bilge is due to the sump overflowing, Sea Ray didn't see fit to
add a secondary pump to the bilge area surrounding the sump. Eventually,
the forward bilge area will overflow and start to seep onto the cabin
floor.

I know all this from personal experience. Been there done it. Mine has
failed twice over the years, but since I'm on the boat frequently, I've
been able to catch it early. I now make a point to run water from the
shower into the sump on a regular basis and listen for the pump to engage,
just to make sure the pump is operational.