Ice damage emergency ,need ideas!!!!!

[crazy charlie]

I need some ideas fast guys!!!!!The marina that i keep my boat in for the last 20 years is frozen solid.My dock pole is being lifted up by the ice and tide.It is only up a foot but will continue if something is not done.I have the greatest slip there is,it took me 10 years to get it.It is in the best location and is the only deep water slip in the marina(I dredged it my self one night).I cant describe how important it is to me.It is a town facility and they are out of ice eaters.If the pole comes loose they usually take about 5 years to get it back in.I am about to go to boat us and buy my own ice eater for 379$.I need ideas on this one guys or Im spending 400$ tomorrow.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Ice damage emergency ,need ideas!!!!!

I would consider a small compressor or if you are going to go the route of recirculating water, go down to the local HD, and get the largest volume, lowest head 4" submersible pump. Get the 2 wire version so you don't need a control box.<br /><br />If you are looking for the little propeller pump that agitates the water, all that is, is a 4" franklin .5hp submersible motor with a propeller on it. You can buy those motors at a plumbing wholesale place, or at a pump specialty shop alot cheaper than 350-400 bucks.<br /><br />You can also look on e-bay for a 4" well pump and get it real cheap. You could also weld a prop on the top of the motor, and accomplish the same thing. 303 stainless I think.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Ice damage emergency ,need ideas!!!!!

Thanks for the reply Pointer.Are you suggesting that i can use a sump pump????I have seen them at home Depot.Will it hold up in salt water???Charlie

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Ice damage emergency ,need ideas!!!!!

No, I am actually referring to a 4" submersible well pump. The motor on the bottom is the same as the Ice cutter. A 10 gpm 1/2hp will give you about 13gpm @ 20psi.<br /><br />these are typically made of Stainless steel and plastic. Some use CI suction and discharge's so avoid them.<br /><br />These motors are fine for constant duty, the drainer pumps are not really very good with a constant run application. The alternative would be a fountain pump, big bucks there.<br /><br />You will need to put a gate valve on the discharge of the submersible pump so you can dial in the amp's that the motor will draw. Unrestricted flow will cause a high amp condition and cause premature failure. You can watch it drop as you close the gate valve if you put a clamp on ampmeter around the power wire. This way you can match the amps to nameplate and insure it will work virtually indefinately.