Keeping sand off the boat???

[Five Faces]

Enjoying the boat in some salt down in Orange Beach where we beached the boat bow first for the first time (installed keel guard prior to trip). I was amazed at how much sand ended up IN the boat even though I asked everyone to board at the swim platform.

So what is the trick to minimizing the amount of sand that ends up on the boat? What is the best way to get rid of it? Since these boats aren’t self bailing is it okay to simply hose down which will eventually end up in bilge? I assume the bilge pump won’t last long with sand going through it, correct?

...or I’m overthinking it, just go out and have fun???

 

[anmut]

You're overthinking it - sand will get in the boat. They are self bailing, you can spray the deck down if you want when you get home. I get a lot of sand on my rear low platform from kids using it as a launch pad at the sand bars - all I have to do is slow down, quicker, from being on plane and that wave washes it off. It's a boat - enjoy it.

 

[Five Faces]

They are self bailing,

I forgot I have a scupper valve...so when washing down the deck most of the water exits the scupper, everything else is handled by the bilge pump???

 

[anmut]

I forgot I have a scupper valve...so when washing down the deck most of the water exits the scupper, everything else is handled by the bilge pump???

That's correct. Do you pull out of the water on a trailer? Easiest way to do it is to jack the trailer all the way up at the front, hose from bow to stern, with all the plugs open.

 

[zipper]

All the water sprayed on deck should go out the scupper. It will only get into the bilge if sprayed or poured into ski locker (drain) or engine compartment. You may have cup holders with drains that will go to bilge.

 

[Five Faces]

Obviously it’s a new (to me) boat, 2017 Yamaha 242X, so I’m still trying to understand the ins and outs of all the systems. So when floating (in my wet slip this week) the scupper is above the water line, correct?

 

[jsg73]

It should be. If it wasn’t I think you would know pretty quickly.

 

[zipper]

Yes, on your '17 it is above the waterline and should have a "flapper" at the outlet. My model/yr it is below the waterline and many change the plastic thru hull to S.S.