www.iFourWinns.com

Happy new year. My first mate just reminded me that a winter chore was to do something with forward bilge pump which is not working. When I looked it over , i first tried to figure out how water would ever get into that small compartment - hatch is on floor of cabin , I thought if water was at that point , we might be sinking! Any comments on replacement before I go ahead? My suspicion is that a previous owner might have turned the manual switch on at the control panel - easy to do , and left it on long enough to burn out motor. It has not worked for two seasons or more - and only a few cups of water in the small sump.
thanks

The forward bilge pump will pop loose from its mounting bracket, if its like my 2002 268. I removed mine to check it, and found that a fuse at the helm had been removed. The forward sump can get water from several sources, including any leaking fresh water plumbing, sink faucets, sink drains, shower sump, anchor locker leaking in to hull, deck fittings, windows left open, leaking hull, or spilled fluids in the cabin. The forward bilge includes the area ahead of the forward wall of the aft cabin. If the shower is used, the shower sump pump is a common source for bilge water because soap scum or other issues can cause the shower sump pump switch to fail. As always, check wiring and connections for good contact. When you find and fix the source of water, I would recommend soaking up or vacuuming the water out of the bilge and drying it to reduce the chance of mold or smell.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

Ditto to what Surface Interval said. I have a 2001 268 and I usually check the forward bilge every few weeks to verify it isn't too wet. I usually have a bit in there and I am guessing it is rainwater or water from the anchor locker. Either way, it is good to make sure the pump works just in case!

_________________
Jon

2001 268 Vista w/arch
2017 GMC 1500 Denali

Do what you can to get the forward bilge pump to work right, or replace it.

I have read that a couple 268 owners had water leak from the anchor locker down in to the forward bilge, but I don't think it is too common. You could look under the forward V cushions and in the storage compartments for signs of water. LouC commented a while back about using the light blue paper towels to look for leaks. The towels will change color when wet. Works great.

I would recommend trying to dry the forward bilge out as good as you can, then look for the source. Some of the fresh water plumbing can be seen by opening doors or removing drawers in the galley, or removing the lower storage cabinet in the head.

We are going to hope that the source of the water is something other than the waste water system.....

You can also access the shower sump and surrounding area by removing the floor panel in the storage cabinet behind the head. This panel is identical to the panel for the forward bilge pump. The shower sump pump is not always quite water tight. It may leak around the top seam when it is completely full and the pump doesn't run. Removing the shower sump pump box to work on it involves disconnecting 2 hoses, a 2-wire electrical plug, and a Velcro strap. It is a bit of a puzzle, but the sump pump will come out.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

Where is the forward bilge access located?

_________________
2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

The forward bilge access panel for a 268 is the panel on the aft end of the lowest floor at the base of the stairway and just ahead of the aft cabin. Its approx. 8 x 10 inches and made of starboard (looks like a white nylon cutting board material). The forward bilge pump is centered under this panel.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

Thanks for the reply.

I do not have an opening in my lowest floor. I did locate the shower sump, but that was the only opening I could find.

I wish I had access to the boat to reassure myself, but I recall staring at the floor thinking I wish there was access to the forward bilge.

_________________
2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

Here is a pic of my boat's floor and access panel for the forward bilge pump. I would be surprised if you didn't have the same. The shower sump pump is in a box that is mounted under the floor inside the starboard cabinet behind the head, and a few inches above the level of the lowest floor section.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

Now that I see your photo, and I think back to early fall, I can say for sure that I don't have an access port for my forward bilge in my floor.

I searched high and low for the shower sump this fall, including on the floor, as that is where I thought it should be. Not finding the shower sump in the floor led me to emptying the closet and finding it there. But no sign of the forward bilge.

Odd, and a true test of my better judgement... I am so tempted to open up my boat just to look again and snap a pic.

Thanks for your photo, and response to my questions.

_________________
2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

If you can, replace it with the biggest one you can that would take the same size hose.

I didnt think much about mine until i had a major water leak in the transom assembaly And it overwhelmed the rear bilge and as the water rised the front one kicked on i belive it saved the boat.
After that i up sized bolth pumps.

_________________
2000 vista 268 in Mass.

As you look at replacing or upgrading these pumps you will want to verify the condition of the wiring and whether it is heavy enough for larger pumps. You don't want to be blowing fuses or breakers when you are taking on water.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon