Arid Bilge Systems — Continuously Dry Yacht Bilges

Why a yacht needs a dry-bilge system

Even on a yacht with no active leaks, bilges accumulate water from condensation, packing-gland drip, hose sweat, and small intermittent sources. Standard bilge pumps cycle only when water reaches the float switch — and they stop pumping as soon as the pickup loses prime, leaving residual water behind. Over months and years, that residual water corrodes mounting hardware, fasteners, brackets, and any equipment installed in the bilge, and it generates the mildew and odor that bilges are notorious for. An Arid Bilge system eliminates the residual water continuously.

How an Arid Bilge system works

The system networks small, low-profile pickups in every bilge compartment back to a central pump. The pickups draw water from each compartment down to a thin film, and the central pump discharges overboard or to a holding location. Because every bay is actively dewatered — not just the deepest point — the entire bilge stays dry, and any new water arrival is obvious immediately.

• Networked pickups in every bilge compartment
• Continuous dewatering down to a film
• Quiet, low-power central pump
• Compatible with existing emergency bilge pumps
• Clear early warning when real water arrives

New-build and refit installation

We install Arid Bilge systems on new builds and as refits to existing yachts. Refit installation includes a complete bilge survey, pickup placement strategy, tubing routing, central pump location, electrical integration, and commissioning with documented test of every compartment.

Ongoing service and pickup cleaning

Arid Bilge systems require periodic service — primarily pickup inspection and cleaning so the system continues to draw cleanly from each compartment. We offer scheduled annual service that includes pickup cleaning, central pump inspection, electrical check, and a written compartment-by-compartment dry-down test.

Bilge-area corrosion and odor control

A continuously dry bilge dramatically reduces corrosion of fasteners, brackets, hose clamps, pump bodies, and any equipment mounted in the bilge. It also eliminates the persistent mildew odor that is otherwise nearly impossible to remove. For long-term vessel preservation, a dry-bilge system is one of the highest-value upgrades available.