Albemarle 288 EXPRESS FISHERMAN, Owner'S Manual

Page: 49 / 122

49
288 OBXF
Chapter 7:
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
7.1 General
Most water is drained by gravity to overboard thru-hull fittings
located in the hull sides above the waterline. The cabin and
some cockpit component drain thru-hull fittings are equipped
with ball valves that are always open under normal operating
conditions. In the event of an emergency, the valves can
be closed to prevent seawater from entering the boat through
the drainage system. It is important to check and operate the
drain valves at least annually to make sure they are in good
condition and operating properly.
You should check the drain system frequently to ensure it is
free flowing and that the hoses on the thru-hull fittings are
secure and not leaking.
7.2 Hard Top Drains
There is a hole drilled in leg bases to prevent water from
being trapped within the legs and provide a wire chase for
accessories. A small hole is drilled in the tubing at the base
of the other legs, which are not drilled for a wire chase, that
allows water to drain.
Note: Always make sure the leg drain holes are clear
when the boat is laid up for the winter. Water
trapped inside the legs could freeze and cause the
legs to split.
7.3 Bilge Drainage & High Water Alarms
The bilge pumps are activated both manually, by switches
in the helm station, and automatically by float switches
located next to the pumps. The automatic float switches are
connected to the port and starboard engine battery banks.
They are protected by fuses near the batteries in the stern
bilge and remain activated when the battery switches are in
the “OFF” position and the batteries are connected. The
manual switches are supplied current when the Starboard
Engine/House battery switch is activated. They are protected
by breakers in the cabin DC breaker panel.
All bilge pumps pump water out of thru-hulls located above
the waterline in the hull. The rear bilge pump and automatic
switch are located in the bilge near the transom and the forward
pump and automatic switch are located in the forward bilge
compartment below the cabin steps.
The manual bilge pumps should be activated briefly each
time the boat is used. This will ensure that they are operating
properly and increase the service life of the pumps. The
automatic switches should be tested periodically by turning
the knob on the side of the switch until the pump runs to
verify operation.
Note: See Electrical Systems for additional information
on bilge pump operation.
Note: Any oil spilled in the bilge must be thoroughly
removed and properly disposed of before
operating the bilge pump. The discharge of oil
from the bilge is illegal and subject to a fine.
THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
ACT PROHIBITS THE DISCHARGE OF OIL OR OILY
WASTE INTO OR UPON THE NAVIGABLE WATERS
OF THE UNITED STATES OR THE WATERS OF THE
CONTIGUOUS ZONE IF SUCH DISCHARGE CAUSES
A FILM OR SHEEN UPON, OR A DISCOLORATION
OF THE SURFACE OF THE WATER, OR CAUSES A
SLUDGE OR EMULSION BENEATH THE SURFACE
OF THE WATER. VIOLATORS ARE SUBJECT TO A
PENALTY OF $10,000.
Stern Bilge Pump and Automatic Switch
Stern High Water Alarm Automatic Switch