Plan your bilge system installation
A useful bilge system installation starts with a clear picture of the boat: where residual water collects, where a central unit could fit, and how an installer can reach those areas. Gather that information before selecting a system or ordering parts.
A dry-bilge system handles residual fluid. Keep the boat’s conventional bilge pumps in place for their intended role. If an existing pump is underperforming, investigate and repair it; adding a drying system does not fix that problem.
1. Map the separate wet areas
Start with the boat in its normal floating position. A vessel ashore, unusually loaded or missing an engine may hold water differently. Inspect the accessible low points and photograph each location where residual water remains.
Include compartments without conventional bilge pumps. Record whether nearby areas connect through drainage paths or appear to hold separate pockets of water. Do not assume every compartment drains to the same place. These observations help establish the number of wet zones the proposed installation needs to serve.
2. Identify an accessible mounting location
Look for space where the central unit can be installed upright, protected from flooding and reached for routine service. Record the available height, width and depth, including the room needed around the equipment.
The engine room or an accessible aft compartment may be a candidate, depending on the boat. Photograph possible locations and the route from each wet area. Leave the final mounting choice to a review of the current instructions for the selected system.
3. Plan discharge, power and tubing routes
Identify potential routes before making connections. Note existing discharge arrangements, available electrical supplies and obstructions between the proposed unit and each pickup location.
Electrical and discharge requirements depend on the equipment and vessel. Have the proposed connections checked against the current installation manual and applicable requirements. Avoid assuming an existing drain, through-hull or bilge-pump circuit is suitable simply because it is nearby.
4. Match pickups to the low points
A flat-bottomed compartment, a narrow corner and a V-shaped low point may call for different pickup choices. Clear photographs and measurements help an installer choose a pickup that fits and can be reached for inspection and cleaning.
Our bilge pickup guide explains the available shapes. Confirm compatibility with the proposed system and its current documentation before ordering.
Watch a six-zone Series 4 installation example to see how the wet zones, central unit and tubing routes come together on one boat. Follow the current manual for the system being installed.
Bring the plan to an Arid dealer
Take your wet-zone list, photographs, mounting measurements and access notes to an Arid dealer. For the system’s current instructions, use Owners’ Central. Good preparation gives the installation review a concrete starting point and helps keep the equipment accessible for future care.
