This is the before and after view of the forward V bilge. The Arid Bilge pickup wand is located to the left and above the Rule pump seen from above on the right picture. Now, these compartments are being detailed and repainted to give the vessel a newer, cared for look. You may scroll to the bottom of this page and find out why!

The before and after view looking forward in the engine room keel sump.

Before and after view of the engine room keel sump. Note the Arid Bilge pickup under the emergency bilge pump intake strainer. The excess tubing is coiled to maintain the proper minimum 20 foot resistance for this zone.

The central three zone Series 4 Arid Bilge System located on the Port side of the engine room. Note the mounting bracket with the Soundown mounts producing near silent operation.

A resetable three hour meter panel provides a logging feature of system time spent on the three compartments. This is the perfect leak detection tool, providing very early warning of developing leaks.

A view of Maple Leaf, a classic Bertram SF, re-launched at the service yard.

Transom picture at Pier 66 getting ready for the trip home.

Experts in the marine industry will often tell you that blisters on the hull or osmosis is from moisture entering into the laminates from the inside -- i.e. the bilges. Maintaining the bilges in a dry state allows the fiberglass to breathe and the built up moisture to evaporate out. This becomes even more critical in a northern boat where that moisture, as it freezes, expands and causes cracks in the hull. The small investment in the Arid Bilge System has the potential for real long term savings.