Bilges for Beginners

[SmokyMtnGrady]

I went back and read this entire thread, I am not sure you answered it, but if your boat has nylon looking through hull fittings still, those would be my first target looking for water leaks. Your boat is of the era when Grady used nylon/plastic fittings. Those things crack and such and over time leak.

Depending on the type of bilge cleaner as a responsible boater you may want to clean and rinse your boat bilge on land and not let that stuff in the water. Just a thought. I have used bilge cleaner and a brush. I have used Clorox outdoor too. I figured if it would not harm plants it would be easy on wiring, metal on the fuel tank and such. I know guys who are simple green fans but simple green is not as green as they make it out to be. I use when I am on the land.

 

[Fishtales]

X2 on bilge cleaners, bleach or mold/mildew products. You want to use these when the boat is laid up, plug out and positioned so gravity allows cleaner and water to drain out the garboard plug hole. You don't want that harsh stuff in your pumps or lines and it never gets completely out unless it drains out the aft.

 

[CJ7Rob]

Thanks guys, boat is out of the water at the moment.