Single bilge pump and standing water in engine compartment

[Christopher Gaver]

I'm brand new to this group and almost a new owner of a 2008 Beneteau 43.  I have spent time reading nearly every discussion and post in this group in preparation for making the offer and understanding the boat.  It is clear that this group is extremely knowledgeable and willing to help.  I hope I don't overstay my welcome with questions...

Here is my first one and it came up during the pre-purchase survey.  The boat had antifreeze (winterization/pink) in the bilge beneath the engine and then it was also around the shaft stuffing box.  I'm not too concerned about its presence, all the systems ran fine during the sea trial - probably part of commissioning or winterization.  My question is, how does that part of the bilge clear any water that should enter (e.g. shaft stuffing box failure or raw water intake through-hull/hose failure).  The anti-freeze did not make its way to the bilge pump further forward under the salon.  Are there clogged limber holes I should be looking for?  Is this a design flaw that folks have corrected by adding an additional bilge pump?

It is a rather stark recommendation as part of the survey for compliance with standards to add a second bilge pump.  Before I do that though, I'm wondering if other folks have come across this issue...

Any thoughts or opinions would be very much appreciated.

Chris

[Bruce Bogdanoff]

The boat has two bilge pumps, one electric and one manual. On my 40, I replaced the original pump with a Rule 2000 and a check valve. The original pump would always lose its prime. The engine bilge does not drain into the main bilge in case of an oil spill from the engine. I always kept a bilge sponge in that bilge to soak up any residual water or used a degreaser and paper towels for oil cleanup.

[Mike Brown]

Chris, the 43 is a great boat and I'm sure you'll enjoy it should you finalize the purchase. As you took notice of the sump below the engine does not drain to the bilge. My understanding is that it's designed that way so as to prevent any over board discharge of oil or diesel fuel should there ever be a leak. I hope that answers your question. If not feel free to reply accordingly.
Mike
October Moon

[Christopher Gaver]

Bruce/Mike - thank you very much for the responses... I needed a 'reason' for the lack of the bilge pump and what you said makes complete sense.  This should take some of the urgency out of the surveyor's recommendation/requirement to have one installed.

[Peter Obetz]

for what is worth, just make sure that the antifreeze you are seeing is from a spill with winerization process.  I noticed some in the same place on our 2008.  I chalked it up to possibly overfilling the antifreeze, however it occurred several more times and I started to look at the overflow bottle that is bolted to the side of the engine compartment.  It was actually becoming more full with long motor runs and would overflow and that was the source.  Turns out the heat exchanger was going bad and seawater was penetrating thru a couple of the small tubes that run thru it. So it was increasing the volume of that antifreeze and diluting it at the same time.  Replaced the heat exchanger (ouch, they are expensive) and no problems since.  Also replaced the mixing elbow at the same time.

I am not trying to be a downer but just make sure you know the source before moving on.