How many bilge pumps??

[Godfirst]

Have a 24 sport vee euro cuddy ocean minded have a 750 gph stock is this sufficient.

Thanks

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

Will it be enough if your sinking? No. Will it be enough for regular bilge pump out, yes.

IMO you should have a main bilge pump and second emergency back -up bilge pump in the case that the main doesn't work or you have an emergency.

If your only running one, I would probably replace it with a 2500gph pump.

Read this!!!!!!! http://www.yachtsurvey.com/bilge_pumps.htm

 

[fishrdan]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

The 750 is fine for rain water and some spray, but I'd add another completely separate high output bilge pump, in case "it" hits the fan. Something like a 1500-2000GPH pump with separate through hull, 1 1/8" smooth bore hose, helm switch and an auto float switch.

Ive tested my dual 800GPH pumps and was surprised how long it took to pump out 15-20 gallons of water, couldn't imagine going out in the ocean with a single 750....

 

[5150abf]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

I river fish and trailer my boat and I have 2, a 500 for rain water and a 1500 for emergencies, the 1500 is slightly higher in the bilge so it doesn't kick with rain water and has an alarm wired into it so if it kicks on I know immediately that I have a problem.

The alarm has saved me 2 times now when I have left the plug out, as others have said, get a big back up put in.

 

[etracer68]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

De plug !!! De plug!! De plug !!

 

[UncleSpidey]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

Somebody posted this in another thread not too long ago, and I thought it was very good. Great explanation as to why a bigger pump is important in a smaller boat.

http://www.docksidereports.com/small_boat_safety_at_sea.htm

 

[1216bandit]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

Will it be enough if your sinking? No. Will it be enough for regular bilge pump out, yes.

IMO you should have a main bilge pump and second emergency back -up bilge pump in the case that the main doesn't work or you have an emergency.

If your only running one, I would probably replace it with a 2500gph pump.

Read this! http://www.yachtsurvey.com/bilge_pumps.htm

Now that was a very interesting read!! A second pump will be on my boat for next season.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

Ive tested my dual 800GPH pumps and was surprised how long it took to pump out 15-20 gallons of water, couldn't imagine going out in the ocean with a single 750....

On a single 800GPH pump, 20 gallons should take approx 90 seconds. 45 seconds if you have duals going (mathematically speaking). If it took longer than a minute or two, you might want to check for obstructions in the lines or possible problems with the pump(s).

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

I have a 17' boat with twin 1,500 GPM pumps on independant circuits and with separate discharge lines. I've never needed that much capacity at one time before, but I like having it there.

 

[zopperman]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

You really can't have over kill on something that might save your life.

I have one 500 GPH in my 18 footer. I never have bilge water.. but if for some reason I got caught in a rain storm trailering it home, I have that. I also keep a 1500 GPH on board (with an inline fuse that I can just touch to the battery if need be) i plan on wiring it up next season.

 

[Wingnutt]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

In my 24' cruiser I have a 750 GPH under the engine, a 2000 GPH mounted higher up in the bilge and a 1500 GPH in the forward bilge. They are all on separate circuits and all have their own thru-hulls. This summer when I added the third battery, they all got wired to seperate batteries.

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

Thanks UncleSpidey for that link. Great read. Everyone should read that article.

Early in my boating career, a salesperson at a marine store told me "the smaller the boat, the bigger pump you need". Made sense to me.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

On my 23' bowrider I'm running two rule 1500 GPH pumps, each with it's own thru hull and hose. Only one has auto function with manual override.

 

[sschefer]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

On my 23' bowrider I'm running two rule 1500 GPH pumps, each with it's own thru hull and hose. Only one has auto function with manual override.

I've sort of come to the conclusion that the majority of the off the shelf 12v pumps won't keep you from sinking if you knock a big hole in your boat. Bilge pumps that manufacturers put in boats are designed more as a luxury feature so you don't have to get in their with a hand pump or sponge and bucket.

So yes, go with the plan of getting at least two of the highest volume pumps you can. I would make at least one an automatic so you don't get so far behind the water that you sink before you can get it pumped out. In my last boat I had one up forward and one aft. This way if the boat was sitting down at the bow I could still get the water out. Honestly though, I can't tell you if that was a good idea or not because I never needed either of them.

 

[oops!]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

you only need a bilge pump if you own a metal boat with reevits !

disclaimer.......this is an iboats joke.....do not follow this advice

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/bilge_pumps.htm Just incase someone missed it.

 

[sschefer]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

you only need a bilge pump if you own a metal boat with reevits !

disclaimer.......this is an iboats joke.....do not follow this advice

LOL,, ah yup.

 

[sschefer]

Re: How many bilge pumps??

whoops...