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Issues with tank vent, bilge pump, water heater

riv3ra.013

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Jul 25, 2025
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I'm trying to sort out a couple of things on a used Bayliner 2855 I bought a couple of months back.

First, I'm trying to replace the corroded holding tank vent, but I need to figure out the size of the hose. The fuel vent is fine, but the holding tank one is a mess.

Second, my aft bilge pump is stuck on. It's been running for a few weeks now, and it's dry. I've tried turning off the main battery switch and flipping the breaker, but it's still buzzing away. I'm worried about burning it up and want to avoid disconnecting the batteries if possible. Any ideas on how to get it to stop?

Finally, there's a puddle under my water heater. It's been wet there since I got the boat, so I'm wondering if it's a slow leak or just condensation from the humid weather. Any help on any of these issues would be great. Thanks!
 
Most Bayliners use 5/8" or 3/4" hose but try checking the tank fitting directly to be sure. On the bilge pump, sounds like the float switch might be stuck so try manually lifting it to see if it shuts off or test the wiring if you're comfortable.
 
Second, my aft bilge pump is stuck on. It's been running for a few weeks now, and it's dry. I've tried turning off the main battery switch and flipping the breaker, but it's still buzzing away. I'm worried about burning it up and want to avoid disconnecting the batteries if possible. Any ideas on how to get it to stop?
Okay, a bilge pump stuck on and buzzing even when dry after weeks? That's almost always a stuck float switch, guaranteed.
Even if you flip the main battery switch or a breaker, if the float switch is wired directly to the battery (which is common for safety), it'll stay on.
You definitely need to find that float switch (it's usually right next to the pump) and jiggle it or give it a good clean. Sometimes debris gets under it.
If you still can't get it, you might need to find the specific in line fuse for that pump's float switch wiring and pull it temporarily. It will burn out eventually if it keeps buzzing dry
 
I'm trying to sort out a couple of things on a used Bayliner 2855 I bought a couple of months back.

First, I'm trying to replace the corroded holding tank vent, but I need to figure out the size of the hose. The fuel vent is fine, but the holding tank one is a mess.

Second, my aft bilge pump is stuck on. It's been running for a few weeks now, and it's dry. I've tried turning off the main battery switch and flipping the breaker, but it's still buzzing away. I'm worried about burning it up and want to avoid disconnecting the batteries if possible. Any ideas on how to get it to stop?

Finally, there's a puddle under my water heater. It's been wet there since I got the boat, so I'm wondering if it's a slow leak or just condensation from the humid weather. Any help on any of these issues would be great. Thanks!
Cool, that sounds like a fun project boat! For the holding tank vent, I agree with @aeonei95 though it's likely a 5/8" hose since that's pretty standard. Then the bilge pump is most likely wired directly to the battery, which is common for safety. Since the switches aren't working, the only way to stop it is to disconnect the power wire right at the pump to avoid burning it out. And as for the water heater, that's almost certainly a leak, not condensation. Check the pressure relief valve or the hose connections. A small drip can do a lot of damage over time, so you'll want to get it fixed soon. Good luck!
 
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