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WATERSKI MagazineLook up bilge cleaning on a list of “100 Things You Don't Want to Do” and it will probably fall somewhere between refrigerator vent scrubbing and stamp licking. But as a boat owner, you need to keep things clean under the floorboards. Here's how to do it painlessly.
* A non-phosphorous liquid laundry detergent makes an excellent bilge cleaner and is much cheaper than most specially formulated marine products. Leave some extra detergent in the bilge after you're done cleaning to keep future waters odorless and clean. Periodically check that the bilge ducts are free of residue; this is often a source of foul odors.
* Put a generous dash of Lysol liquid in the bilge. Lysol's antibacterial properties will assure sanitary conditions if water accumulates.
* Check the following to make sure your bilge is functioning properly: 1) Make sure the electric bilge float arm is working correctly. Manually raise it; the bilge should go on. 2) Check all bilge ducts, pipes and hoses. Make sure all areas that drain into the bilge are free of obstruction or you may soon find water backing up into other areas of the boat. An electrician's “snake” will clear most blockages. 3) Look over the area for corrosion and other damage. Are the through-hull fittings in good shape? If not, replace them. Damaged bilge fittings will eventually let water seep into the boat.
* If you aren't going to be using your boat for a while, clean the bilge thoroughly. Use a bilge cleaner that will dissolve the accumulated oil, dirt and grease, such as OrBilge (800-238-1585). For long-term dry storage, drain the bilge area and all hoses as thoroughly as possible to prevent the forgotten water from becoming foul.
* Water, and even moisture build-up, in the bilge can freeze up in severe temperatures. If your boat is stored outdoors during the winter months, add anti-freeze to the bilge water, the discharge hose and the pump itself.
