Sundancer 260 Bilge Issues

DavidsSeaRay

New Member
Feb 12, 2021
2
Boat Info
2004 Sundancer 260 DA
Engines
350 Magnum MPI
Hi, I need some help locating the bilge pump(s) in the forward section of my 2004 Sundancer 260 DA. I see the pump under the step/trashcan for the A/C and bathroom discharges and that works fine but theres still 3-5 inches of water around that box and water in the front cabin floor. The Sea Ray manual shows 2 pumps, High Water Bilge Pump and another Bilge pump-photo attached. Are these in all 260's or is there even another pump up front hidden somewhere? Any help would be much appreciated.
 

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When I had my 2003 260DA there was only the pump the engine compartment. The pump under the stairs was the sump pump and for the shower and condensate. If there is water around there and none in the engine compartment then either your sump pump is not working and overflowing or water is coming in from someplace else.

-Kevin
 
So the water from the front compartment flows backward through the hull to the engine compartment bilge pump?
 
So the water from the front compartment flows backward through the hull to the engine compartment bilge pump?
No, it does not.

The picture you posted is of the engine bilge.

Other than the shower sump, the only place for a bilge pump in the cabin would be under the stairs. If memory serves, it wasn't until the boat was redesigned in '05 that a fwd bilge pump was added.

Just vacuum it out or use a sponge. Then find your leak - most common is the portlights or possibly the head drain.
 
No, it does not.

The picture you posted is of the engine bilge.

Other than the shower sump, the only place for a bilge pump in the cabin would be under the stairs. If memory serves, it wasn't until the boat was redesigned in '05 that a fwd bilge pump was added.

Just vacuum it out or use a sponge. Then find your leak - most common is the portlights or possibly the head drain.

@DavidsSeaRay, An overflow of the sump pump would be the first place I would look. Make sure your batteries are charged and open the sump pump cover. Lift the float and see if the pump turns on. If not - probably a bad float or pump - either can be replaced you do not need a new sump. If they turn on then pour water in an make sure the pump moves water out - if not look for obstructions or it may be a worn pump. If all this works then start looking for the leaks.

-Kevin
 
The opening portlights are a common source of leaks where water runs down into the area under the steps. The latches are adjustable using a small flathead screwdriver.

Top causes of the windows leaking are:
  1. Loose holddown dogs
  2. Uneven pressure on the window from the dogs
  3. Dirty seal.
I also had the stainless screw for one of the dogs corrode and break off. The dog stayed on, so it was not obvious that the window was leaking. Check the areas under the windows for telltale water marks.

Having a bilge pump under the steps would help, but it's not a cure-all. It's activated via float, but even with the manual switch it won't suck up all the water. That, plus backwash, leaves water in the space. The only real way to get all the water out is with a sponge as Dennis said. Once you find and fix the source of the leak it should stay dry. I always knew when my windows had a leak because I would step into the cabin and get a wet carpet SQUISH.
 
No, it does not.

The picture you posted is of the engine bilge.

Other than the shower sump, the only place for a bilge pump in the cabin would be under the stairs. If memory serves, it wasn't until the boat was redesigned in '05 that a fwd bilge pump was added.

Just vacuum it out or use a sponge. Then find your leak - most common is the portlights or possibly the head drain.
 
I just replaced the sump bilge pump due to water around the sump. Turned out to be the seal on the pump.
Simple fix around $100 for pump and sump case. My Sundancer 230 is an '09 and cannot locate the front bilge
pump. Switch turned it on last season but not now, probably dead. Have not been able to find it. Any help
would be great. Thanks
 
I just replaced the sump bilge pump due to water around the sump. Turned out to be the seal on the pump.
Simple fix around $100 for pump and sump case. My Sundancer 230 is an '09 and cannot locate the front bilge
pump. Switch turned it on last season but not now, probably dead. Have not been able to find it. Any help
would be great. Thanks
I don't recall there being a forward bilge pump. Are you sure about that?
 
So the water from the front compartment flows backward through the hull to the engine compartment bilge pump?

It should not.

If you have water outside the sump box check your AC condensate pan. Has it overflowed?

When I had my 2011 260 DA the pan was not draining and condensate went everywhere.
 
I don't recall there being a forward bilge pump. Are you sure about that?
I don't recall there being a forward bilge pump. Are you sure about that?
The reason I asked the question was your post about '05 design change that a fwd bilge pump was added. My switch panel does have a switch for one. The switch doesn't turn on the sump bilge as it shouldn't. That pump has constant power. It's gotta be there somewhere I guess. I'll do some digging in the fwd compartment. Mystery deepens Thanks
 
The reason I asked the question was your post about '05 design change that a fwd bilge pump was added. My switch panel does have a switch for one. The switch doesn't turn on the sump bilge as it shouldn't. That pump has constant power. It's gotta be there somewhere I guess. I'll do some digging in the fwd compartment. Mystery deepens Thanks
This is thread for an earlier 260DA ('04 is different than '05)... but you mentioned you have a 230DA? But, are you sure the switch you are referring to isn't hooked to the aft bilge under the engine? You know your boat better to me, but I don't recall there being any forward hatches or access, under than what's under the steps.
 

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