Full Bilge, Flat Battery

[qcamel]

I have a problem with my boat and before I embark on a course of action would like some feedback from the forum.

My RIB is new to me but will spend 8 months of the year in the water in a marina. After all the heavy rain of recent days I popped down to check all was well and found one very flat battery and bilges full of water. The entire deck area appears to drain into the bilge and is then pumped clear, self bailers are installed although it appears they would only work having taken a wave over the bow and still enjoying forward movement.

I have a 'powerpack' used for jump starting cars and will go back to the boat tomorrow to fire up the engine, run at a high tickover, drain the bilge and try and get some charge into the battery. This is a good short term solution but will only work until it rains hard again and I leave the boat for 5 days.

The marina has shore power points at each bearth. Is it feasable to use this when I leave the boat? If so how?

Do I make a permanent connection on the boat or do I simple use the power to attach to a battery charger?

Advice and thoughts will be warmly welcomed.

[simmons0]

Is there not a drain plug in the bottom of the bilges that you could leave open instead of using the pumps?

[Brian]

Surely, your best bet long-term, would be to use a cover-all on your boat? That way they rain goes overboard naturally.

[eupa]

Originally Posted by simmons0

Is there not a drain plug in the bottom of the bilges that you could leave open instead of using the pumps?

what happens when the boat is in the water- opening the drain plugs would be a fantastic idea???????????????????.
the easiest way is just to disconnect the power if the boat is left for some time. Presume you do have a float switch??

Anyway dont worry the boat wont sink even if full of water.


Jonathan

[Paul Glatzel]

Qcamel

The Scorpions have a slightly unusual setup where the drain pugs in the deck drain into an underdeck well where the water collects before being pumped out (usually) by an automatic bilge pump – is this how yours is set up?

The only time that we’ve had a problem with our Scorpions was when the float switch stuck open on one – have you checked this? - as it would rapidly trash the battery.

Best bet as Brian says is one of the allover covers (Scorpion sell them), if they are secured properly that will solve the issue. I suppose you could install a shore power kit, but it will cost a bit due to the need for the transformer and wiring, alternatively a second dedicated battery might be a better bet. I’d be tempted to go for the cover that will have the added benefit of keeping the tubes looking like new

Paul

[Rogue Wave]

I is surprised the Scorp did not come with a second battery, that would certainly be my solution and a two way switch. The shore power arrangement seems cumbersome!

[daviesd]

I have two batteries on the boat. The second ( backup battery ) is used to power the bilge pump. I have put a solar charger onto this battery to keep it topped up too. So far no problems even with all the rain we've had.

[Rogue Wave]

Originally Posted by daviesd

The second ( backup battery ) is used to power the bilge pump. I have put a solar charger onto this battery to keep it topped up too.

Mkes sense to me, how much was the charger

[PizzaPeetso]

Maplins sell a solar trickle charger for £14.99. You can plug it into a cigar lighter socket or directly to the battery terminals. It comes with suction cups or you can screw mount it. I have one in my defender fixed to the underside of the sun visor. I flip it down when I park up for any length of time and it works fine even on overcast days. Yes we have those in Belfast occasionally.

[simmons0]

Originally Posted by simmons0

Is there not a drain plug in the bottom of the bilges that you could leave open instead of using the pumps?

Apologies, i got it into my head the boat was dry bearthed.??