Bilge Pump Question

[ccave04]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

Glad it worked out for you. To mount the pump, first mount the base (screened portion) to a piece of painted 1 x 4 or starboard (or other suitable non-rotting material) with a couple of screws, then use some marine epoxy to mate the board onto the bilge floor.

Well the pump is already afixed to a loose 1 x 4 that sits down in the bilge (has a weight on it so it doesn't really go anywhere, but epoxy is probably still a good idea) I think I may have to disconnect from hose and pull it all out to mount the float on to the same 1x4.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

With the pump on the 1x4, it will leave 1" of water in your bilge. Depending on how close it is to the lowest point of your bilge (typically where the drain plug is), that can leave a decent amount of water behind. Factor in that the float switch has to be higher (forward) of the pump to work properly, you'll probably have 2" of residual water in there. I'd try and get it lower.

What I did with mine is I mounted the pump to a 1/8" thick piece of plexiglas (I think it was 8x10" or something), and it's mounted off center so it's close to the transom plug. My pump is the type that sense water electrically (not by load), so I don't have a float on that one. My other bilge which is located in the more forward half of the accessible bilge is on a float, and that was mounted straight to the hull. The float on that one I added, and used 3M 5200 and bedded it in.

Without having shore power available, you should look into a solar trickle charger for at least the battery that has the bilge pump connected. You'll want to get one that is weather resistant, otherwise the first rain will trash it. I think more boats sink at the dock then at sea.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

With the pump on the 1x4, it will leave 1" of water in your bilge. Depending on how close it is to the lowest point of your bilge (typically where the drain plug is), that can leave a decent amount of water behind. Factor in that the float switch has to be higher (forward) of the pump to work properly, you'll probably have 2" of residual water in there

Actually, about 3/4" total, if you mount the bilge pump and float side by side, but I get your point. That little bit of water will never have an effect on his boat, but he if wants to keep it as dry as possible, he could use a piece of 1/8" - 1/4" starboard (which I mentioned also).

You'll never get the bilge completely dry though, usless you clean up by hand. Any water left in the discharge tubing will spill back into the bilge when the pump shuts off.

 

[ccave04]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

Thanks guys, I realize with the setup I have in there (1 x 4, with float in front of blige pump) it will never be bone dry well tied to the dock. But I think it should work, I plan on taking it out once a month to give it a good cleaning anyways so she can dry out then.

As for the solar trickle charger, I had thought about that but that is the reason I put in the float switch. The bilge pump prior came on every 125 seconds, now it will only come on when the float is up. If for some reason the float gets stuck up while i'm not around it still only runs every 125 seconds then shuts off so it shouldnt be an issue.

In all reality even if the bilge pump failed and I didn't show up for about a month it is only docked in about 3' of water so I don't even think it would be possible for it to sink

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

One other thing to consider is buying some inexpensive chamois and laying several in the bilge to soak up any water in between your visits. When you get to the boat, drag the chamois into a container or bucket then wring out and re-install. You can always add more if you find more water than the ones already there are absorbing.
Mark

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

Just a comment about the solar charger. I got one a couple of years ago when I slipped my boat. Best investment I ever made. Make sure you get one that goes to maintenance mode automatically you can actually charge tomuch and have to add water to the battery periodically. If its a maint free batt its even worse