10
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631
• Hewes.com
Bilge
Bilge
The bilge of your Hewes can be accessed through the aft center rigging box. The bilge
should always be checked before and after a launch. While checking the bilge, note that
a small amount of water in the bilge is normal. However, a large amount of water or any
signs of fuel or oil requires immediate attention. If such a situation exists, the boat
should be taken to a certified marine technician immediately. Never pump
fuel or oil overboard while your boat is in the water.
Large quantities of water in the bilge may be an indication of a leak or that your bilge
pump is jammed, broken or has blown a 6 -amp fuse. First, check that your bilge pump
is running. Turn the switch on and listen for the bilge pump to turn on. If the bilge
pump does not come on, check your fuse box to make sure the pump hasn’t blown a
fuse. If the fuse is damaged, replace it and turn the switch on again, listening for the
bilge pump to come on.
If the fuse is in working order, make sure the pump is turned off, then unhook the bilge
pump from its cradle by squeezing the blue tabs on the sides of the pump and lifting.
The entire bilge pump and wiring should release from the cradle. Check the underside
and impeller areas for miscellaneous items that might clog the pump.
Items such as monofilament, plastic, rocks and small clumps of debris can easily clog
the impeller and prevent the bilge pump from operating correctly. Should you find a
clog, remove the item and turn the pump switch to the “on” position. If the pump runs,
turn the switch “off” and return the pump to its cradle.
If the fuse is working and the impeller is not clogged, the bilge pump is probably bad
and needs to be replaced. See your local Hewes dealer for bilge pump replacement.
If the bilge pump is working and pumping water, but the water level in the bilge does
not go down, you likely have a leak which requires immediate attention. Remove your
boat from the water and see your local Hewes dealer to have the bilge area inspected for
possible leaks.
Fuel leaks also require immediate attention. Be sure to check for fuel leaks frequently
and repair any problems immediately. Any replacement of parts or repairs to the fuel
system should be performed by a trained marine mechanic. See your authorized Hewes
dealer for parts and repair.
