84 Overnighter Bilge Location

Start with the owners manual.


Page 39 shows a bilge pump located aft in the stern of the boat. You don't want to take the tank out! But it will likely be your first boat owner test to see how long your arms are.

deannapolitano said:

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and hoping you all can help me. I just bought my first boat, a 1984 overnighter. It needs a new bilge. I can’t seem to find the bilge. I’m trying to locate it before ripping up the gas tank to look. Thank you everyone

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The bilge is the lowest area of the boat. What you're asking about is a bilge PUMP. If you can't find the "bilge"... you might want to hire someone

You may have two. One in the cabin - check the access hole in the floor. The aft bilge pump will NOT be under the gas tank. It will be further aft. I don't know your boat as well as you do, of course, but look for either an access plate/hole or possibly a floor panel that you can remove (screwed down).

Don't worry - it's not rocket science - just look for something removable near the aft end of the cockpit.

The bilge pump pumps out through a through hull on the side of the hull and about a foot or so above the water line. It should also be pretty close to the rear of the hull. If you find the through hull, take a look in the rear bilge area for where it connects to a hose that then connects to a pump, the bilge pump. You may also see a flatish thing that has wires between it and the pump. That would be the float switch. There are lots of reasons why the bilge pump doesn't work and therefore trouble shooting it can be tricky if its all new to you. If you don't have a knowledge of diagnosing and testing 12V electrical things, I don't recommend that you tray to fix the pump issue without the help of someone who is knowledgeable

On my 1989 Overnighter the bilge pump is down though the small circular hole behind the center live well. It’s at the lowest point in the compartment. All the water flows to that point. Then pump can be switched on or if I am docked I leave on. Mine has a float for when it builds up water. Never really hear it or use it much. But good to have in case of taking too water on board.

Feels Reel is showing the correct spot. In the 6" access hole. It's just about impossible to reach. I have my batteries on each side of the stern underneath the seats (if they are there) You can try to reach it from there as well. I put a new one in last year and have an issue with it, so here we go again.