Second bilge pump on the same bilge line?

[JerseyJim]

On my aquasport, there is a bilge pump on a float switch wired directly to the battery. I have the desire to put a second bilge pump in the bilge for backup purposes, and also to flick it on from the switch panel when I see fit to see if there is water in the bilge without popping the water tight hatch.<br /><br />The problem is, the existing hose runs up to the side under the floor, up to a brass 90deg fitting, and then out the through hull plastic bung. It is near impossible to get to that area, and it would be MUCH easier if I could somehow tie into the existing exit hose.<br /><br />The problem is, if I put a T adapter in, the manual pump would force water straight back throught the automatic pump. Is there a fitting that would allow me to use the single existing through hull fitting?

 

[Specks n Reds]

Re: Second bilge pump on the same bilge line?

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Second bilge pump on the same bilge line?

You could go the check valve route but depending on how much tension the spring has it could be tough for a small pump to open the valve to push the water out plus you will always have water in the line on the out side of the valve. The second pump is a great idea but if the time comes you really both to work you are restricted to how much water flow the single hose can handle. There have been several posts on this subject and usually the best idea is to duplicate everything, pump, float switch, hose, thru hull, wiring and then you a true backup system.

 

[Crazy]

Re: Second bilge pump on the same bilge line?

What if you just splice into the two wires on you float and run them to your switch ? .... This way you can turn your pump on when ever you want to , and it's 1 pump and 1 line both auto and man . Good luck !

 

[Boatist]

Re: Second bilge pump on the same bilge line?

JerseyJim<br />I agree with both Boatin Bob and Crazy. To start with any bildge pump with a float switch I would wire thru a switch on the dash. These are very common and have a AUTO, OFF, and MANUAL postion.<br /><br />If you put in a check valve for both pumps it will decrease the output of both pumps.<br /><br />If I went to the expense to put in a second pump I would want to be able to use it if I had a wave break on the boat or hull damage and a leak.<br /><br />It sure can be hard to run wires and hoses with out taking up the floor. One thing I have done is to take the hose off bildge pump pull the hose to you as far as can then tape a second hose along side it. Then gently pull both hoses thru the holes to get it to wher you can reach it then pull first hose back and hood back up.

 

[peterbo3]

Re: Second bilge pump on the same bilge line?

Evening JJ,<br />Not sure of the hull layout of your boat but would it be possible to instal a second independant bilge pump with a discharge line going to a different area to your existing line. I have an alloy boat with two pumps: one discharges to port & the other through the transom. I don't have an auto pump but I do have an alarm siren connected to a float switch which would let me know if I was taking water.<br />Regards, <br />Peter

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Second bilge pump on the same bilge line?

ive pondered the question of two as well, and have come up with a few thoughts, one, install higher capacity pumps to offset the reduced flow of the check valves<br /><br />if an asymetric look is tolerable, one could be sent out the transom, or in the case of self bailing "wells", into the well, let it run out the scupper<br /><br />and of course, there is the sloppy way to do it, blow a hole in the side of the boat, and epoxy the hose fitting (hose attached!) to the hull with marine tex or some 5200 sealant<br /><br />all this talk has me feeling quite drained<br /><br />