What is a good brand bilge pump for 16' boat?

[Mark42]

Seem that most brands suggest bilge pumps around 500gph for boats under 17'. In my boat (the Bayliner in my signature) the distance from bilge to discharge is 2 feet (about 2.5 foot max rise, but that includes the loop to prevent water intrusion through the discharge).

There are some cheap pumps out there, so I thought it would be prudent to ask my iboats bro's which pumps are good and which are not so good.

Thanks!

Mark

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What is a good brand bilge pump for 16' boat?

Mark, i have had good success with this one. it is the auto/manual switch.
http://www.iboats.com/SeaSense_Auto...2842688--**********.120829952--view_id.392307

 

[john from md]

Re: What is a good brand bilge pump for 16' boat?

Mark,

Is that the completed hardtop? I followed your building thread but never got to see the finished project. How does it handle in the wind?

I use a Whale 500 (I think) which is a horizontal type of pump. It fits under the deck in the bilge of my Bayliner Capri. I don't have an auto feature as I trailer the boat. I turn it on any time I think I may have picked up water and it works like a top.

John

 

[Mark42]

Re: What is a good brand bilge pump for 16' boat?

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

I think the Capri needs an automatic pump because I plan to leave the boat anchored overnight for a few days at a time. That Seasense looks to fit the bill.

John, I haven't finished the top yet. Still need to install windshield and side glass, and do all the fairing and painting. The photo in my signature is just before putting the cover on it for the winter.

My plan is to have top done for the summer, and with a snap on camper back, I feel it could be left overnight in any weather, especially with an automatic pump incase the camper back leaks.

BTW, is there anything better to use for bilge hose than this corrigated style hose?

The corrigations reduce throughput, and it tends to crack over time, so I was thinking of using a clear PVC plastic hose instead. Comments?

Thanks!

 

[fishrdan]

Re: What is a good brand bilge pump for 16' boat?

Bilge/livewell hose is smooth bore..

http://www.iboats.com/Shields_Live_Well_Hose/dm/*******.565237551--list_time.1232849437--**********.846692163--view_id.45218

Doubt you need 50' so check Ebay. I picked up 20' of 3/4" and 20' of 1 1/8" for about $40. Just have to ask the seller for a shipping quote, instead of Ebay's calculated shipping.

 

[pvanv]

Re: What is a good brand bilge pump for 16' boat?

For the 500 gph pumps, which are 3/4" hose, I use either smooth-bore livewell hose or clear vinyl tubing. The tubing gets to look pretty ugly inside over time, so the clear may not have the aesthetics you want after a season.

Please be sure that your discharge through-hull is well above the waterline in all reasonable conditions, so that it doesn't back-siphon and sink the boat. A vented loop and/or a check valve aren't bad ideas if your discharge must be near (never below) the waterline.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What is a good brand bilge pump for 16' boat?

Mark i use clear pvc hose, routed so it does not kink. then you can see that it is clean.

 

[whofan]

Re: What is a good brand bilge pump for 16' boat?

"Mayfair " is a good brand name.