Bilge Pump for 16'

W

Wood Zeppelin

New member
My 16' Cruiser didn't come with a bilge pump. What is a quick easy recommendation?

I trailer it 90% of the time. But if it's ever moored at a marina overnight and it rains... AM I IN TROUBLE!?

Also - can they be mounted without screwing into the floor? (4200?)
 
I mounted a thin piece of plastic cutting board material using 5200 and weighted it down. Then screwed the base of the pump to it after it was set.
Bought an Amarine pump and an on, off manual switch for it. Roughed up the fiberglass with sandpaper before setting the 5200. Worked out fine.
 
You can just mount a pump and the float switch, or a combined unit, to a piece of plywood and run the hose out over the transom. Use it just when in the situation you stated.
When we bought our 22 Cruiser last summer, she went straight into the water at our dock. I was concerned about the bilge pump ...which I had to rewire to get working. Eventually installed a second pump, but in the meantime I stuck in my emergency pump from the sailboat, which is just a described
 
I have a Seaflow 2000 gph bilge pump (about $50). The original was smaller and had been screwed down into the little depression by the drain plug. That area is solid glass and didn't cause any rot problems (unlike gas tanks etc.). When I installed the new bilge pump, I upgraded the hose to smooth wall, which is more rigid (and more efficient). The bend in the hose actually holds it in place so I didn't bother with screws or other caulking to hold it in place. I also changed to a high tech "water witch" float switch that could turn the pump on at a lower water level.

Even with the new switch, the water in the 16 can be a half inch deep in the cockpit (when not underway) before the bilge pump activates. I put in some rubber workshop matting that makes it possible to get up in the morning and walk into the cockpit in stocking feet. Another decadent addition to my mini-cruiser.
 
I see from your picture that you have an older 16. I have a 1988 that came without a bilge pump. I installed one that has an internal float switch, ( Glued it to the deck, in the sump) then I found out, even when loaded, the low point, (where the water mainly collected), is right in the middle of the cockpit :smileo

There has to be quit a bit of water in the boat before the pump will turn on. Then the last gallon, or so has to be mopped up with a towel. :sad

Pictures are under "Pocket Yacht"
 
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