Sea Snippets

Bilge Filling With Water

First of all check the type of water filling the bilge, especially if cruising in salt water. If sailing in a salt water environment do the following test before calling the emergency services - do not waste their time.

Dip your finger in the bilge water and touch it to your tongue - if it is salt you will taste it. If it is not salt your fresh water system has sprung a leak, or grey water tank is leaking - first of all shut down the fresh water pump. If it is a system pipe leak, shut the fresh water pump suction valve on the tank.