Need a bilge pump that's not really a bilge pump

IraRat · May 9, 2013

For those of you familiar with my 8' pram Piece of Ship, you'll understand this question immediately:

Although covered on the trailer, after heavy rain, water still bleeds through the tarp and puddles a little in the bottom. Drain plug is out, but boat isn't so perfectly balanced as to gravitate the water to hole.

So I want a super-cheap solution to getting this water out while trailered at home--and it's okay if it's a 110V solution.

It's really a tiny amount of water, but it bothers me. Could I use an aquarium pump to get it out, or should I come up with a "bilge pump" solution that also helps me when out on the water? There's no electric on the boat at all--just oars. (As soon as I order them.)

Thanks for your help!

Don S · May 9, 2013

Re: Need a bilge pump that's not really a bilge pump

Raise the front of the trailer and put it on blocks high enough to drain the boat.

Knot Waiting · May 9, 2013

Re: Need a bilge pump that's not really a bilge pump

I'm not familiar with your boat specifically but for a small boat like that why not either lift the tongue of the trailer high in the air so the stern is nearly on the ground and let the rain run off/out? Or, just flip it over?

metriccrescentwrench · May 9, 2013

Re: Need a bilge pump that's not really a bilge pump

In addition to raising the front of the trailer, pay the boat a visit after it rains (boats do get lonely and appreciate some company from time to time) and take along either an old towel or a shop vac.

IraRat · May 9, 2013

Re: Need a bilge pump that's not really a bilge pump

I can sure lift and rock the tongue, but it's a V-hull (more or less) and when sitting on trailer on uneven ground, you would need to sway the boat left and right as well.

I get you on the Shop Vac--but I don't have one and want a CHEAP solution. Also, it's all wood, and one person can't easily lift and turn over every other day. Not to mention that it rains a lot in South Florida in the summer.

coolbri70 · May 9, 2013

Re: Need a bilge pump that's not really a bilge pump

sponge it up with a towel, a towel can move a lot of water faster than youd think

Home Cookin' · May 9, 2013

Re: Need a bilge pump that's not really a bilge pump

no pump gets the last drop out, so you will need to sponge it if it bothers you.

IN addition to the obvious solution stated above: a sump pump would do. An aquarium or fountain pump would work but they may be hard to get the hose to pick up your puddle; check the bottom design. There are hand pumps, too, sold at marine stores.

They make a pump that looks like a basement sump pump that runs on D cell batteries, which could be a good thing to carry with you (in addition to your bailer, which is required equipment). My mother used to use one to bail out her rowboat after rain; it was kept moored at the pier but no power there. She tied it to a rope and dropped it in to pump it out; easier than climbing in and bailing for an old lady.

I ended up with that pump and wired a float switch to it, as a bilge pump for a 13' whaler with no electric start.

Slip Away · May 9, 2013

Re: Need a bilge pump that's not really a bilge pump

You said cheap....

Get a water blaster/cannon. We always have one on board for fun, and picking up some of the small amount of water that
the bilge pump can't get to. Works like a charm

JimS123 · May 9, 2013

Re: Need a bilge pump that's not really a bilge pump

Install 2 garboard plugs, one on each side right at the chines. Then you're covered no matter which way the boat leans, as long as the tongue is slightly elevated.

Just to clarify (because hardly anybody understands the correct terminology these days), I'm not suggested a "transom drain plug", that is installed in the transom (back of the boat). A Garboard plug is brass and it is intended to be installed in the garboard plank (which is on the bottom of the boat). But really no reason you can't install it further out.

Optionally, if you have a raised keelson and the bottom is just round enough or the V is just deep enough, just install one on each side of the keelson. That's how mine is fitted and it drains freely all but maybe a shot glass of water.

southkogs · May 9, 2013