Above deck bilge pump

[bassboy1]

I have been toying with the idea of this for a bit now. I don't want any electrics, or forms of spark below deck with my fuel tank. For this reason, my batteries are up in the bow, and my wiring chase is above decks. Now, I thought I had everything hunky dory, until I was fishing with my buddy yesterday, and he flipped on his bilge pump......
'Bout that time, I remembered that I had failed to plan that into it.

Here is my question. What exactly says the pump has to be submerged to work? Obviously, I couldn't easily run a hose from the submersible bilge pump, but I very easily could from a livewell pump, replacing the through hull fitting with a hose nipple. But, would one of those be self priming? Could I have it where it will pull 16 inches, instead of push it? If not, is there a 12 volt, reasonably sized pump that would achieve the purpose of pulling, and not pushing?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Above deck bilge pump

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...s&cm_ite=109735&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=109735

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Above deck bilge pump

Bilge pumps and live well pumps are not "positive displacement" pumps meaning they cannot draw water uphill. The pump at Northern Tool that Tash showed is a indeed a "positive displacement" pump, needs no priming and can draw water up hill. Why are you afraid of placing it below deck. Did you know the electric fuel pump for your car or truck is located INSIDE the fuel tank? Haven't seen one of those explode, but back in the Ford Pinto days there sure some dandy explosions but it wasn't from electrics.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Above deck bilge pump

A bilge pump motor is submersible which means it is completely enclosed so it can't possibly spark, so I wouldn't worry to much about that.

 

[salty87]

Re: Above deck bilge pump

just about every boat with a bilge pump has it below decks. manu's wouldn't be in business very long if even a small portion of them had a problem.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Above deck bilge pump

My thing is that I will be placing a portable fuel tank below decks. Therefore, it will be venting below decks. Now, it will have adequate ventilation, but those forward and rearward facing scoops only work at speeds, and if I happen to flip the bilge pump, after having sat for a while, or slow trolled for a while, I am sure there will be an abundance of vapors down there. And, since fuel vapors are heavier than air, the above deck wiring won't have a problem, but the electrics heading down to bilge pump, at the very bottom of the hull, seem like they would be of danger.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Above deck bilge pump

You are creating more of a problem than you are solving. A fuel tank venting below deck is a recipe for disaster. I am certainly not an expert on marine fuel systems but I do believe it is illegal to vent a fuel tank below deck.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Above deck bilge pump

Listen to ST. DO NOT vent a tank below deck. Portables were never intended to be used in confined spaces. If you insist on using it below, at least drill out the thumbscrew vent and put a 1/2 brass barb in its place (well sealed with teflon tape). Connect a hose to the barb (double clamped) venting somewhere above deck with a small filter on it. Believe me, the bilge pump is not the issue here. You could possibly get rid of all hardwire sparks, but you'll never get rid of static electricity. I wouldn't do it.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Above deck bilge pump

You have good intentions it seems, but you are teaching the horse to walk backwards instead of putting the horse in front of the cart!