Bilge pump size

[muskyjim]

I considering replacing my old bilge pump with a new one. I'm not sure of the age of the one that was in the boat when I bought it. It still works. Should I even consider replacing it? If I do, how do you judge what size to use? Are the automatic pumps better than manual pumps?
My boat is a mid 1970 something 16 foot Star Craft Sport About.
Thanks,
Jim

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bilge pump size

Well,.........
As for Sizing a Bilgepump,...... I believe that this is 1 case where Bigger IS Better........
I think that a Bigger pump runs for shorter times, Normally,+ will move More Water when Really Necessary.......
And,... As for the Manual, or Automatic,......
I use a stand alone Float Switch,+ wired the Main pump to It.....
Last year I bought a 2nd pump,+ it's a 'puter controlled model,...... It Sucks..... I don't like it, it cycles every few minutes to Detect Water,... I think it's ruining my Batteries.......
Before the boat hits the water this year,.... I'm Rewiring it to run on the same circuit as the Float Switch...........

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Bilge pump size

Keep the existing pump and add an additional pump; the biggest that will fit your bilge/wallet. A back-up bilge pump is not a bad thing. Sometimes your pump will suck-up something it can't discharge, or it will just decide to "crap-out"; this invariably happens when you least want it to. A back-up is a great comfort at this point. I have a large main pump, and my back-up is an el-cheapo 750gpm. Always glad to know there is a PLAN B!​

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Bilge pump size

Ditto on the bigger the better.My 19 ft Starcraft had a 500gph in it when i bought it.I just felt that was way too small for that size of boat.I now have added a second pump.A 1100 gph Rulemate automatic,plus wired it to the dash to turn it on manually.So now in an emergency i can pump 1600gph,hopefully enough to get me to land if a major leak occured.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bilge pump size

i have 2 800 gph pumps, one manual, the other auto/manual on 2 separate outlets, and separate batteries.

 

[muskyjim]

Re: Bilge pump size

Thanks for the input. I like the idea of a back up pump.

 

[muskyjim]

Re: Bilge pump size

Do you plumb each one separatly, or can you use a y connector to discharge out the same hole.

 

[QC]

Re: Bilge pump size

I think I'd do the Y connector. Should not be an issue if you run them independently unless it would push down the other . . . hmmmm . . . it probably will. You could put one-way checks in each line just before the Y though. That should work. Keeps you from drilling another hole in the hull . . . Should also be OK if you run them together that way too.

 

[John_S]

Re: Bilge pump size

I'd go with two seperate lines. Going with a Y would require larger diameter hose to accomedate the volume when both are running. This may drive finding larger non-standard fittings. Also, check valves may trap water, and have to add to your winterization procedure. Outside of putting a another hole above the waterline, two standard hoses is probably cheaper than the larger hose with check valves.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bilge pump size

Ayuh,......

I'm running separate lines,....

The Y would allow the water to run Back,+ the Check-valve will collect Crud, possibly Plugging the discharge When Needed Most.........

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bilge pump size

Bondo that was my take on it. why i ran 2 independent systems. it's just cheap insurance if i hole the boat on a stump. we holed one 30 years ago on and old piling. forunately it was in the bow just above the plane line. no bildge pump. pull the plug and made for home fast.

 

[QC]

Re: Bilge pump size

I agree on the check problems . . . I never think about freezing here If you run both pumps it would just shoot farther. What about when you buy a bigger pump? Do you always go with a bigger thru-hull fitting?

I do agree that two independent hoses is the best way though, just thinking about alternatives . . .

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Bilge pump size

I have one 1100GPH Rule automatic pump. This pump alone easily keeps up with the water that enters the boat if you leave the plug out. Don't ask me how I know that. I also carry a smaller pump with a long hose attatched to it and alligator clips on the wires. I keep this pump in a ziplock so I can hook it up quickly and put it anywhere I want to as a backup.

 

[muskyjim]

Re: Bilge pump size

I'm going to have to do some thinking on this one. Definintly plumb them separate. The idea of a backup pump is great, but I hate the thought of putting another hole in the boat. Even if it is above the water line.
D- Rat you may be on to something.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Bilge pump size

I ran mine with two seperate lines.The old pump had the small hose so i just left it where it was.My 1100gph i ran new 1-1/8th hose with a new thru hull fitting.. The hose kit is really inexpensive.I bought it from Iboats..