Mid Bilge Light

[Pipgan]

My mid bilge pump light is illuminated on my instrument panel. Should I consider this a serious safety/ mechanical issue and not use the boat until the issue is resolved, or should I continue to use the boat and have the boat looked at ASAP. The aft bilge light is not on.

Thanks for you comments.

[Uhehner]

The bilge pump light should only come on when the pump is running. Is your pump running and running dry? Is the float switch stuck ? If the pump is running and you do not have the battery charger on it will kill the battery overnight. If the float switch were on and the pump seized it should blow the breaker / fuse. As a routine maintenance item when I am in the bilge I lift the float switch and expect to hear the pump run while someone checks the manual switch light. It's an issue that you should look at but I would not stay at the dock. The season is too short. Keep a bucket available for an emergency. A man with a bucket on a sinking boat can bail more water than a bilge pump. Capt. George

[Chris Burkard]

As Uhehner eluded to, it not an immediate threat, but something that should be repaired as soon as you can get to it. If that light is on, most likely the pump is running. If the pump is running and there is no water in the bilge, your float switch is likely stuck or malfunctioning. Float switches are common failures and should be checked regularly. If the pump has run dry for an extended period (more than hour or so), I would replace it. These pumps are not designed to run dry for extended periods. Even if it still works, it may not pump its rated capacity after dry running.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.