Bilge pump for 16' Cruiser

J

jep111

New member
My 1992 16' Cruiser did not come with a bilge pump, and I would like to install one. Where to put the pump is easy; but where does the outlet go? It seems that along both the port and starboard sides is foam, and I don't want to cut through the core at the transom.

I'd love to know how other owners have solved this, or if someone had a picture of where the thru-hull was installed at the factory (if bilge pumps were an option, that is!).

Cheers!

John
 
I'm hoping there is some other alternative... the splashwell backs up just when I'm washing the boat. Maybe I just have to lay down and look at it some more.

Thanks!
 
Hi John,
I just looked and, for what it is worth, my 1999 16 cruiser has what appears to be a factory installed pump outlet on the port side, two inches below centre of the rub strip and four inches in from the stern (just about where the stern makes the transition from vertical to a forward slant.) I don't know if there are any changes in geometry back there between 1992 and 1999, but this puts the outlet just a little higher than the motor transom lip, and the bilge pump in a small sump at the very back of the cockpit floor. So, the hose run is short and the water lift is not very high (maybe 4ft. and 2ft.)

Rod
 
Thanks for looking Rod!

I can't wait to get home and measure out where that will be...

What size pump is installed? 500 or 1100?

If you don't mind my being a pest, that is...

Thanks again!

John
 
ahoy jep111
Hi John,
I checked under the winter tarp; the bilge pump is 1100 gph. That doesn't mean a lot to me, but I guessed that the cockpit might be 4x5x2feet and rough calculation means that can (theoretically, LOL) clear 3-4cockpits per hour. Anything that bad would have be a very serious pooping! :shock:
Cheers.
Rod
 
Thanks, Rod!

I agree that an 1100 should be serious enough... but if the factory went with it, it's good enough for me. That means I need a 1.125 thru-hull, so I'll get on that!

Cheers!

John
 
big wave, small boat... you want the highest capacity pump that's reasonable. I have a bilge tube running under the motor well and going through the hull . Screw the foam. If the boat is low in the water and inches away from sinking, why would you pump water into the motor well which makes sure it will be swamped? You want the water pumped out high so it is not sucking sea inside if the motor dies. You also want a square bucket.
 
I plumbed mine out the port side as well. It is pretty much a no brainer where you should put it. If you have room make a rise in the hose close to where it connects to the trough hull to stop water from coming back in should the exit drop below the water line on a big roll. Size! Bigger is definitely better. Small boats fill up fast. You need to get the water out fast since we can't use scuppers in these little C Dory's I had a 1100 gph in mine but if I were putting a new one in I would bump it up to something a little bigger.
 
Oh ya. Pumping into the splash well is a big no no. GET THE WATER OUT OF THE BOAT!!!!!! It could make the difference of making it out of a bad situation.
 
At the end of the color just forward of the transom on the port side, you can see the factory installed bilge outlet on my 2006 Angler. I replaced the factory 1100GPH pump with a 1600GPH Johnson pump. You want to get the water out as quickley as need be, into the splash-well ,not a good idea.
Picture_121.sized.jpg
 
Thanks, Nor'easter and all...

I had early on in this decided that the splashwell was a bad idea, and a kind brat had pm'ed me his pic of the port thru-hull.

Noreaster, your thru-hull looks like it is only a 3/4". I think that's a little small for 1600 gph... I've ordered a 1 1/8" thru-hull with a 90 degree bend.

Cheers!

John
 
Thanks, Nor'easter and all...

I had early on in this decided that the splashwell was a bad idea, and a kind brat had pm'ed me his pic of the port thru-hull.

Noreaster, your thru-hull looks like it is only a 3/4". I think that's a little small for 1600 gph... I've ordered a 1 1/8" thru-hull with a 90 degree bend.

Cheers!

John
 
Or you could have a cord attached to the drain hole plug (inserted from inside), give it a yank, then set the engine tilt to get the bow up and just power forward. Water in the cockpit should drain out the open drain hole.

If you made a mistake inviting a friend fishing for the first time and he complains too much, hand him a brush to scrub the deck when done for the day, yank the plug, and tell him to work fast while the boat fills with water and slowly sinks. Then put it in gear to move forward and drain the boat. Usually the screams of "Are you crazy!? Get me on land! I'll never fish with YOU again!!!" is the sound you want to hear from that guest rather than a mumbled thank you.

Also... Noeaster, you have really sharp looking fishing machine... but all those rod holders! Wow! Are you running a party boat? You must carry more value in tackle than in the boat itself! I leave the reels off my rods and strap the rods together in the v-berth. When I arrive at my destination, I'll set up two rigs, one casting, one bait, and have a sabiki rig ready to go.
 
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