C-Dory 25 Shower Pump

journey on · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 12:30 am Post subject: C-Dory 25 Shower Pump

OK, this missive is aimed at the C-Dory 25 and Tomkat owners, though I'm not sure about the latter. All those that have showers on their boat. As you know, the shower drains into a sump, whereby it's pumped overboard with a Rule bilge pump (and float switch.) A standard application, stock parts.

The problem I had is that the pump would run and wouldn't pump. This was an intermittent condition and occurred when I finally used the shower (after 6 years,) and with Rachel and the grandkids aboard. The sump overflowed and there was water all over the cabin floor. At Roche Harbour. Judy was not happy. I was p____ed, since I had checked that sump pump this winter, and it worked.

I checked with the Rule customer support, and they told me to replace the unit, without explaining what was the problem. Let's hear it for customer support. Oh, by the way, they said to install a check valve (aka duckbill valve?) For that suggestion read the next paragraph.

Looking at the installation, C-Dory (at least in 2005,) installed the sump with a loop in the outlet, presumably to prevent water being forced in by angry seas. Reviewing the Rule pump installation manual, they specifically said to avoid this type of installation. They also said don't use a check valve, as it may become clogged. If you wanted to prevent siphoning back in, put in a vented loop. This I did, removing the solid loop that C-Dory used. I used a ¾” vented loop, by the way. The shower sump pump now works like a charm.

My next thought was that the cabin bilge pump is installed with the same type of loop. Not wanting to find out at the wrong time the the cabin bilge pump has the same problem, I'm going to install a vented loop and cut out the coil C-Dory installed.

As to why I finally used the shower after 6 years? Well, there are Canadian marinas that charge $4 CDN for a shower. And $4 CDN is worth more than $4 US.

Boris

JamesTXSD · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 7:23 am Post subject:

Hi Boris,

We use our shower sprayer all the time... usually as a shower head, other times as a toilet sprayer. Wink

When our boat has been stored for a while, that duckbill valve does "close up" - I've had to push a screwdriver through there to open it... and then it works fine. No issue for you, since you replaced it; a heads up for others.

Best wishes,
Jim

localboy · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 9:40 am Post subject:

Ours works; so far. The problem I had w/ it was it would go on, for no reason at all, and STAY on. Replaced the float switch. So far, so good. I've used it (the shower) only a couple of times, when we have warm water and usually while on the hook. If the sun is out (a real "IF" up here) I'll KISS and use our solar shower.

Captains Cat · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 9:46 am Post subject:

Don't need a pump/drain today. We just stand in the middle of the yard, dodge trees, soap up and enjoy the 45knot breezes. Rolling Eyes

Thank you IRENE!! Mr. Green

Charlie

thataway · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 3:11 pm Post subject:

The Tom Cat shower drain is accessable from the Stb. fuel tank access plate in the cockpit and then drains by gravity to the Rule sump/pump under the sink. The C Dory 25, is much harder to access the drain, since it is all glassed in--the flow goes from the shower drain across to an area under the cabinet on the port side of the boat--and not a lot of fall for the grey water.

In another boat with a similar arrangement, I found it much better to do away with the sump, and put a strainer, then a diaphragm bilge pump directly in line with the shower drain. There was a switch in the shower, and when the water began to well up in the shower pan, you turned the pump on--and left it on until thru showering. This got away with that nasty shower sump, and all of its problems.

There will be some back flow with any loop--vented or not--and this leaves some residual water in the sump.

Capt Mac

thataway · Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:48 pm Post subject:

This is a 14 year old thread. There are a number of different type of check valves. I have never felt that a "duckbill" (type used in Jabsco/Par heads will not stand the test of time. The rubber gets stiff, deteriorates etc. As for the shower pump, I have found a flapper valve in both the 03 and 07 C Dory's I have owned. You may be able to push the valve open with a screw driver, but be very careful. It is better to remove it from the house, then work on it--or more likely replace it. I never feel comfortable with one of these type of valves keeping the great big ocean out of my little boat! I feel a vented loop is much better for either a bilge pump or shower sump.