2017 Tracker 175 TXW Bilge Question

[JB19]

Hello All,
I just purchased a used 2017 175 TXW only 17 hours on it. It is in my driveway with no cover. I noticed the other day after a rain water was sitting on the floor the cup holders and drain was filled with water. I turned the bilge on and heard it running but no water coming out. The bilge did pump water a week ago. I had to remove the drain plug and tow the boat to get the water out. This does not seem normal any ideas? I am worried when I get it on the hoist as I have no cover for it. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[C0MRAD]

Yes, a boat will fill up with water when it rains. You need to take the plug out so it can drain, and/or put a cover on it. You don't want to rely on a bilge pump, it will fail.

[PatriotAW4]

The plug should always be out of the boat when it is not in the water.

[JB19]

Thanks Chris,
I know it will get water in it when it rains. But, when I turn the bilge on it should pump out.It worked last week. Maybe a clog somewhere not sure how or why it would happen in a week sitting in my driveway.

[C0MRAD]

Thanks Chris,
I know it will get water in it when it rains. But, when I turn the bilge on it should pump out.It worked last week. Maybe a clog somewhere not sure how or why it would happen in a week sitting in my driveway.

This is exactly why you can't rely on a bilge pump. These types of problems are common. They are so common that many boat owners carry a backup bilge pump.

Check to make sure your battery has a charge, the fuse is good, and the electrical connections haven't corroded. Pull the pump cartridge and make sure it's not clogged. Sometimes just pulling the pump and reseating it will get it working again.

[Highcentered]

The bilge pump completely failed on my 2016 175txw. Had to replace it and it rarely got any use to begin with. They will fail with little or no warning. And yeah, carrying a spare isn't a bad idea since they're easy to replace on that boat.

[rtlgator]

When you turned the bilge on did you hear any motor running ? If not first check fuse, switch could be bad and then check is there power to bilge and if yes replace or at least clean pickup area and test.

[Pilgrim]

If it has the Johnson pump, remove the cartridge and check for debris causing the pump not to rotate. Turn the switch on with the cartridge removed to see if it is spinning. If it is getting power to it and not spinning then you can either replace the cartridge or replace the complete pump.

[JB19]

Thanks to all that replied to my thread. All good information. I took it to the dealer and had an automatic bilge installed.