Mini manual pump to remove stern bilge back flow

primative

Tired of the hands and knees drill of sponge transfer to dry the aft bilge, I discovered a small manual pump at Harbor Freight that may prove to be handy, item #66418, called a Multi-use Transfer Pump.

I attached the "pick up" hose that came with the mini to the stern bilge pump in a vertical orientation with an elec. cable tie then routed the hose following the upward slope of the port fuel tank (I have the plastic 22 gal. tanks). The pump is small enough to fit in the fiberglass channel that forms the forward part of the motor well, same channel that routes the fuel line over to the tank selection switch. The pump then can be conveniently accessed without having to get under the motor well. The outlet hose I think can be stored in the same channel, though I have not worked this out. The hose is soft (maybe due to being fuel grade),and it was easy to get the pick up end/orifice in kissing-close contact to the aft sump surface for optimum pick up. To my pleasure, after pouring water in the sump to test, the amount of remaining water was easily picked up with a swipe of the sponge ~2-4 table spoons. This was done in the boat port laboratory so looking forward to field testing. Then there is the question of durability for this high end pump(: I admit I spent around 9 to 13 DOLLARS and may regret it very little.

Considering the commonality of the back flow thing, please let me know if you use something you like better.

Tom

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 7:25 pm Post subject:

Tom-

Sounds great!

How about some photos of the pump and installation? Thanks!

Joe. Teeth

RobMcClain · Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 7:27 pm Post subject:

Tom, I bought this same pump a few months ago. I think it cost ~$4.95. At that price I didn't expect much but it actually works quite well. Just be sure the tube ends are pushed on tightly or they can pop off while in use. Not a major problem though. For the price it seems to be a worthy investment and it removes a lot of water quickly. I wish all boat equipment was this economical!

Rob

localboy · Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 9:07 pm Post subject:

Jim on Wild Blue showed me the "tool" for the wet bilges in the 25 and they cost a buck at any dollar store. Wink

We have two on board.

hardee · Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 1:34 am Post subject:

I have a pretty good tool for that left over bilge water too. I got it at the other WM, (Walmart) for $4.00.

It is a turkey baster, with a rubber tip, works to suck up the small grit, (stuff) that shows up there too. Then I use the sponge. Nope, don't like to have to crawl down there either, so the baster works well with a bit of a hose extension 4-5 ".

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 6:27 am Post subject:

You guys that can't stand a little water in a bilge sump must go nuts when it rains and your boats get wet all over! Rolling Eyes

Don't pump it out, suck it up! Oh wait, that's what you're doing... You definitely would not be able to deal with the bilges on a Navy vessel! Mr. Green

Charlie

Chester · Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 11:26 am Post subject:

Harvey, I like the turkey baster idea. Compact, lightweight and cheap!

primative · Posted: Tue May 14, 2013 5:13 pm Post subject:

Joe
I looked again on how I might store it and noticed the pump shaft is already showing beginning corrosion. I knew by looking at it, it wasn't stainless but didn't expect corrosion that fast only using it in a few tests with fresh water at home. I put a little "super lube" synthetic grease on the shaft for now, but know this is just a temporary fix, and I will not be satisfied until I take it or tear it apart to see if I can replace the shaft with a stainless one. I'm in salt too often to ignore.I'm not at a storage phase yet, but will keep informed.
I do hope I can modify it as it seems such a good fit and function.

Rob
I knew I paid too much!!!

Localboy
You said Jim on Wild Blue showed you the "tool" and cost a buck at the dollar store. Did you mean the same pump as I'm trying or something else?

Harvey
If I can't make modifications, I may go baster. Plus I could use it for duel purposes. Cooking birds or deck hands who question, etc..

thataway · Posted: Tue May 14, 2013 6:27 pm Post subject:

There is a small Jabsco Parr hand pump which has been used for many years for this type of purpose. More expensive, but holds up to marine use for years. I have one which is many years old and still works fine. Maybe the tubing will fit one of these.

I have used for sucking bilges dry, one of the older diaphragm electric pumps--works like the hand ones, except can be permently installed.

primative · Posted: Tue May 14, 2013 7:03 pm Post subject:

Bob
Looking forward to checking Jabsco pumps out.

Tom