Need bilge pump advice ahead of Irma

[n1111z]

We are in Cape Coral and getting ready to bug out. My '13 242LS is lashed to my covered lift about 8' off the water with the tarp on and I removed the drain plug. A neighbor advised me to connect to shore power and leave the bilge pump on. I think I know the basics of that pumping system but we have only had this boat for two months now and still learning. I know if elec goes pump will continue to cycle until batt dies.

 

[M@__]

Turning on and off quickly won't kill the battery that fast. Pumping lots of water out will. I'd be worried the cover of the lift and the boat would just rip off... not many good options though.

 

[Betik]

how much effort does it put the boat on the trailer and it with you whereever you are going ?
you probably will be okay on the west side, but why worry about it

 

[Beachbummer]

If its well covered I would consider leaving plugs in if batteries and well charged.The fear is on storm surge catching the boat. With plugs in, it will float... Best of Luck!

 

[n1111z]

how much effort does it put the boat on the trailer and it with you whereever you are going ?
you probably will be okay on the west side, but why worry about it

LOL I don't have a trailer or a land vehicle in Florida. Those darn airlines are getting pickier about what they allow in the overhead bins!

 

[0627Devildog]

LOL I don't have a trailer or a land vehicle in Florida. Those darn airlines are getting pickier about what they allow in the overhead bins!

Got good insurance? As long as you're safe the boat can be replaced. . . . .

 

[Betik]

LOL I don't have a trailer or a land vehicle in Florida. Those darn airlines are getting pickier about what they allow in the overhead bins!

why don't you do check in? they might charge you for oversize language, but it it still worth it right ?


on serious note, you probably are screwed this time, but next time if you give us a couple of days heads up, we can get you a vehicle and trailer down there.

 

[msavold]

Hmmm... i think the question is moot. In the worst case scenario how long do you think power will be available?
I think I'd make sure that the cover is tight and that there are pool noodles on the windshield. Then, if you can, make sure that the lift is adjusted so that the boat is well draining - as in bow higher than stern - and also leave the drain plug out.
(Yeah, it should be that way already but this comes to mind because I noticed in July that when our lift was serviced they left it so that the bow was actually a bit lower than the stern, about a half to quarter bubble low...)

 

[msavold]

PS: good luck... Glad to hear you're bugging out - the latest track from the NHC (11pm) is quite concerning for your area...
Do keep us posted.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

If you are bugging out.... plugs out and strap to lift. Godspeed my friend, this region is in for one hell of a Sunday.

I still hope that this thing hangs off the coast for a little and makes land fall in the Tampa area.

 

[n1111z]

Thanks! Whatever happens, happens. I'm insured. Worst case, I trade up to a 2016. My only real concern is for my neighbors who decided to hunker down.