M a y 3 0 , 2 0 1 2
M a v e r i c k B o a t C o m p a n y , I n c . • 3 2 0 7 I n d u s t r i a l 2 9 t h S t . • F o r t P i e r c e ,
F l o r i d a 3 4 9 4 6 • ( 7 7 2 ) - 4 6 5 - 0 6 3 1 o r ( 8 8 8 ) - s h a l l o w • F a x : ( 7 7 2 ) 4 8 9 - 2 1 6 8
BILGE
Bilge
The bilge of the Cobia 217 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 the bilge pump and/or
automatic float switch is not functioning properly due to a
jam, clog or electrical issue. The automatic float switch is
wired to the hot side of the battery switch through the
“BILGE” fuse at the battery switch panel. When
functioning properly, the float switch activates the bilge
pump to pump water overboard once water in the bilge
reaches a level that submerges the switch.
If your bilge pump does not come on when the float
switch is submerged, attempt to manually turn on the
bilge pump on your switch panel. If the bilge pump
comes on and evacuates the water, it is clear that the
float switch is not functioning properly. If the bilge pump
does not come on via the switch panel, check the
breaker panel inside the console to see if a breaker has
been tripped. If the breaker has been tripped, reset it,
and turn the switch on again, listening for the bilge pump
to turn on.
If the bilge pump fails to turn on, turn the battery switch to the OFF position, then unhook the bilge pump from its cradle
by pressing down on the blue tabs on the cradle and gently turning the top of the pump. You will feel the pump release
from the cradle. The entire bilge pump and wiring should release from the cradle. After removing the pump, check the
underside and impeller areas for miscellaneous items that might clog the pump. If any obstructions are present remove
the debris and set the pump back into the cradle. Once set back in the cradle, press the blue tab down and rotate the
pump until you feel it snap back in place. Once this is completed you can try to turn the pump on again.
If the bilge pump still does not turn on, it likely needs to be replaced. It is not recommended to use your boat if the bilge
pump and/or float switch are not functioning properly.
Automatic Float Switch
Bilge Pump
