bilge pumps

michael · Post by **michael** » Fri May 16, 2008 5:51 am

What bilge pumps do most of you use.I have rule pumps 1-1100 in each bilge plus 1-2000 that I mounted 4"higher than the smaller pumps in each bilge.Every year I have an issue with one of them whether it is the float switch does not work.the pump does not work or one of the wires on the pump corrodes. The pumps are only going on their 3rd season and I am getting tired of playing with them every year. Also has anyone put a check valve in the line near the pump. I am thinking about installing one on the center bilge. After it pumps out it seems like a gallon or more of water drops back into the bilge. Thanks Michael

Post by **Admin** » Fri May 16, 2008 6:50 am

I think it is just a fact of life that the pumps don't last very long. I don't know of any brand that is head and shoulders above the rest.

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Fri May 16, 2008 10:36 am

Michael... From what I understand it is not a good idea to put anything in the bilge pump discharge line. I have the same problem, I suspect we all do. I am actually considering putting a very small bilge pump in the very lowest point in the bilge.. a pump with an integral switch. I bought it two years ago to pump out the bilge of my old boat. It should take care of the infrequent water I get after a hard rain.. and if I do have a large leak the 3 pumps I already have will take over. Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com "Phoenix" 1983 FBC Wilmington, NC

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Fri May 16, 2008 10:48 am

I installed a small pump at the lowest point in my bilge which is between my engines. It's automatic with a manual switch in the engine compartment. When I raise my engine hatch and go down into the engine room, I can cut it on manual and the pump will get the water a little lower. The small pump keeps the bilge water really low. I still kept the larger pump but it didn't pump the water as low in the bilge. Unless I get a lot of rain rarely does my pump come on. I do have dripless shaft stuffing boxes. Buzz

Justinf89 · Post by **Justinf89** » Mon May 26, 2008 2:48 pm

Besides my three main 1500gph rule pumps, I installed a small 360gph automatic pump as far aft as I could, with a bronze 3/4" check valve, just to get all the excess water out, since the big pumps leave about an inch in the bottom. I am very happy with the results. One problem I do notice is that the water on the port and stbd sides of the middle stringer are not the same level. I searched and searched but there are no holes connecting the two sides! My starboard side is the side with all the pumps, so the water from the port side has to get high enough to flow OVER the stringer. Kind of aggravating and I'm about to drill a hole. Anyway, I'm happy with my check valve!

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Mon May 26, 2008 3:20 pm

Justin, I'm surprised that you had to install the small pump all the way aft. I always thought that on the older B33s that all water flowed forward as the deepest point is under the hatch next to the head. I also have side-to-side flothrus in the center stringer. One is at the fwd compartment, one at the bulkhead just aft of the water tank, next is at the front end of the battery tray & then about a foot in front of the transom. Al

Post by **dougl33** » Mon May 26, 2008 5:08 pm

Al, On my boat (and most other FBC's I've seen) after bilge flows between the gennie/fuel tank/ and engine room only. The forward bilge (water tank/head/v-berth) does not connect to the after bilge.

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Mon May 26, 2008 6:52 pm

Doug, I understand that is true on the newer ones. Justin has a 77, so I wouls ASSume it is more like my 78. Al

Justinf89 · Post by **Justinf89** » Mon May 26, 2008 8:03 pm

lobsta1, I don't know what I was thinking, what I meant to write was bow. Not sure what I was thinking about, other than the water that flows throughout the entire boat when it rains; its very annoying. Yes, all the water collects to the bow of the boat, right under then head but I swear my center stringer does not have holes in it as both sides of it have different water levels. I'll plan to do some more searching tomorrow.