Went to the marina this weekend. Missed church, not feeling good. Finally up and stirring when there is a call from my dock-mate. Unusual, why did he not step over. He is calling from town where they had gone to get a vacuum and asked if i still have my emergency Bilge Pump. No, someone needed it more than me. He then tells me he has water in his 50' Gibson and can I assist. I stagger to the door and his boat is listing. Sure I'll go look. For sure more than a vacuum will handle.
That started 7 hours of work. The Gibson is down by the bow and listing to starboard a foot. More than when they left for town he said.
We turned off the HVAC as it is a marine unit and the Dock water going into the boat. He starts with the vacuum while I start looking for a pump to use. I have my bilge pumps but no easy DC access. I look for my emergency bilge pump but yes it is gone. I am starting to pull my 110v marine HVAC water pump when my dock-mate said he has a bilge pump but no way to use as it won't fit any hoses. I grab it and pull my plumbing box, MacGyver up a wild concoction that allows a water hose to fit and throw it into the front bilge. Whoop it works!
I get everyone off the boat and put a board from the dock to the boat to visually tell if we are gaining or losing. Within 30 minutes it is apparent we are gaining! Finally after several hours I can get to the front bilge and elbow deep try to get it working but it falls apart in my hands. I send them after a new pump that Dottie's marina is nice enough to open up and sell. After that pump is installed and the rear of the boat settled so the rear bilge will work we make fast progress.
While the last of the water is being pumped I crawl thru and find the ice maker line is busted/leaking. Cannot tell for sure as it has no shut off and no easy access but with the dock water off the crisis is averted. It is not a hull leak!
Mistakes #1 The ice maker line has been leaking for a long time. They actually heard it but thought it was just an ice maker noise. Finally the line broke. The amount of water in the bilge indicates it had water in it for some time.
#2 leaving the dock water on. This sinks more houseboats than anything I know of. Don't do it. #3 bilge pumps not in functioning order, check em and replace when old, period. (ok I got to do this one)
Sailors take warning!
Anyone using a good bilge alarm?