bilge pump

cpt vic · Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 11:25 pm Post subject: bilge pump

we are in process of buying now.. was reading posts about pumps but couldn't find it again so what do you all think about the pumps that check for water every so offen. i've never had that kind before and think that they would be annoying and battery draining( our boat would be in the water without shore power.
the 22 we are getting had that kind of pump i guess it's standard .it came on as soon as we boarded let me hear ya cpt vic

flagold · Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 11:59 pm Post subject:

"annoying and battery draining" -- that's exactly right!

Most have replaced those with the straight pump and float switch as the factory does now. Some (if not most) of us have also added a pump at the transom. I put in a 1200 automatic wired direct (with a fuse) to the battery so it's always ready to pump whether I have the cabin pump on or not (I still have the abomnible original you describe).

rogerbum · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 12:00 am Post subject:

This has been gone over before in this link and others. In brief, most people find the noise annoying (especially when overnighting) and replace them with the Rulemate or similar. I also have problems with the autocycling pumps failing at about 1.5 years.

You should seriously consider adding at least a second bilge pump (and perhaps a larger one) to the boat. I have one in the factory location, one between the fuel tanks, a spare that is wired to plug into a 12V cigarette lighter adapter (with a long length of wire and a long spare hose) and a manually operated pump. I want to be SURE I always have at least one working bilge. Also, be sure to check the operation frequently and clean it often - especially if you boat with a dog or cat on board. A little hair in the bilge can seriously impair operation...
Best,
Roger on the SeaDNA

starcrafttom · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 12:02 am Post subject:

two pumps set to auto in the way to go. I have wired both of mine as auto with manual over ride. whenever i get on plane I run the rear pump for a little bit.

Luna C · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:06 am Post subject:

I have added a cheap second pupm to the stern with its own switch. If some water collects, I just hit the switch for a minute. If you decide in advance, tha factory will set it up for you. I had mine added after a year. Seems like I always had a little water between the gas tanks when it rained - not any more!!

rogerbum · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 7:53 am Post subject:

Cpt vic, you buying new or used? I had assumed used from your post as the factory switched over to the RuleMates (not the "fully automatic" Rule which cycles) awhile ago. So, if you are buying new, you won't have that problem but take Luca C's advice and get two pumps installed at the outset. I probably also have both pumps upped in size from the std. 1100 gals/hour to about 2000 gals per hour.

Roger on the SeaDNA

sally's sister · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 8:23 am Post subject: related question for bilge pumps

I've got the factory pump midships and another at stern between the tanks...both on auto/off/manual switch at helm..works fine.

Here on Chesapeake we get some freezing in January and February...I will be in the water at my slip...anything to be done to prevent the bilge pums from freezing up due to small amounts of water that collect around each one?

sally's sister

cpt vic · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 8:16 pm Post subject: reply to rogerbum

we are buying new 06 but they told us that the pump that's in now will "check" every so often and then continue to run if it senses water.. i don't like that idea we are used to 3 position switch with float and i think that is what we will ask them to replace it with also by what eveyone is saying a manual in the stern is also good, i did see water between the batt boxes and i think i would like to be able to clear that as well. specially if you want to camper shower in the cockpit. cpt vic

Jeff M · Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 64

Hello CPT Vic,

Congratulations on your new C-Dory. Thank you! We went to the Rule bilge pump with the mercury float switch built in. We have not been using the auto cylce pump for nearly two years. The bilge may have had enough water to kick the float switch on. Please let me know if this is not the case. We have also added a check valve to the bilge outlet hose that keeps water from running back down into the bilge when the pump kicks off.

Good luck with your new C-Dory.

Jeff

starcrafttom · Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 2:24 am Post subject:

I added a check valve awhile back but have mixed results. the valve i used is a Plumping item made of brass and the spring may be to heavy. What is the factory using? and were can I get one?

Mr. Fisherman · Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 1:12 pm Post subject: