Need help with adding a bilge pump

[CLL2437]

I need to add a bilge pump to my boat but I have a problem with the location. I have an 18.5 center consol that the deck sits low in. I found that the bilge needs to pump the water out above the water line. My deck sits below the water line or right at it. Is there a bilge pump that has enough power to pump water out under the water line and will not let water in. another idea was to run the bilge through the floor up to the transom and over it. The only problem is there that’s a lot of line to pump the water. Can any one here help me out with this?

 

[Realgun]

Re: Need help with adding a bilge pump

A picture would be helpfull.<br /><br />I don't like the idea of pushing water lower than the water line. If the line cracked or the pump failed you could concievably sink!

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Need help with adding a bilge pump

You need the exit of the bilge pump hose to be above the waterline. Can you install a thru-hull fitting for the hose on the hull side, above the water line and near the transom?

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Need help with adding a bilge pump

The thru hull has to be above the water line.Most bilge pumps will let water flow back thru them that way trash will wash out of them.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Need help with adding a bilge pump

Just get a pump that flows a high gpm, and route the outlet well above the waterline. Use smooth hose, not the ribbed stuff, as the ribbed stuff impedes the flow a bit. Keep it simple, don't over engineer it. Good luck...

 

[DJ]

Re: Need help with adding a bilge pump

JasonJ makes some good points.<br /><br />Remember, the higher you mount the outlet, the slower the pump will pump.<br /><br />Buy the highest rated pump you can afford. The 500 GPH models are just about worthless. Get at least a 750 or better yet a 1000 or 1250.

 

[CLL2437]

Re: Need help with adding a bilge pump

I have given this a lot of thought for the last week. The problem I’m having is routing the hose and outlet. The way the floor sits in the boat doesn’t allow me to install the water outlet above the water line. The only way I can do it is cut a hole in the floor and run the line through, then up and over the transom. I would really like to make it clean looking and a hose coming through the floor wouldn’t look that good. There are two thru-hulls at the bottom of the transom but they are below the water line. I have attached a picture of the access hole and the transom. If anyone has an idea of how I can do it please let me know.<br /><br />

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Need help with adding a bilge pump

From the pic of your boat, maybe the first question should be; "How is water getting into your bilge?" Since you have a self-bailing cockpit, the sole "should" be completely sealed.

 

[Stinger313]

Re: Need help with adding a bilge pump

You could add a Saltwater washdown on the inside corner of the stern thats recessed into the boat.That would give you acsess to put a through hull fitting in the top of the starboard side of the boat. Good luck