Which wash down pump to buy opinions - brand name? GPM?

[Coach Dave]

I hope I'm in the correct forum for this, but........I'm restoring a '63 Starcraft Jet into a fishing boat. I'm at the point where I need to order my washdown pump. I have my livewell pump, which is a Johnson 1000 GPH dual port so I only need 1 water pick up through the hull. I'm looking at Johnson's and Jabsco's. Or am I missing one to consider? Opinions? I am on a budget (or at least I used to be ) I want something that will last, but at a reasonable price. Just curious as to which name brands folks have had good experience with, and probably more importantly, which ones to run away from. Any other hints or tips or tricks would also be appreciated, as this is my 1st livewell and washdown pump install. Here's my set-up to date:

Stainless Steel scoop through bottom of hull near transom sealed properly both sides with 5200.


Stainless sea-**** installed in bilge area and threaded directly onto the water pick-up scoop's threaded tube and added an barbed elbow to connect the 3/4" Shields Marine Hose.
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Then I connected my 3/4" Shields hose using an elbow on the seacock, ran it to the front casting deck under the cockpit deck, where the Johnson 1000 GPH livewell pump & 50 mesh strainer will reside. All pumps and connections for the washdown and livewell will be in their own compartment for easy access next to the livewell hatch, which will be installed underneath the front casting deck. Should I install 2 strainers? - 1 for the livewell, and 1 for the washdown pump? Or install the one I have before the livewell pump to act as the filter for both?


My gut tells me to stick with the Johnson brand if for no other reason than consistency. I know the 1000 GPH livewell pump sounds like overkill (my middle name), but it will be mounted up front and maybe 2' above the water pick-up. That height it has to pull will knock the GPH down to roughly 700-800 GPH.

Thanks in advance!

 

[dingbat]

I put a separate intake in for each pump for a number of reasons.
1. Unless sized correctly, splitting the intake will compromise both If used at the same time. Running a large baitwell so 100% duty cycle is a must.
2. Pressure is key to a wash down.
3. Water while circlulate thru the baitwell when running and at anchor (tidal water) by just leaving the seacock open.

Had Shurflo and Jabsco (Parmax) washdowns. No problems with either one.
Put a control valve on livewell to regulate flow. Too much flow isn?t a good thing

Stainless is fine at the water line. Bronze for everything below.

 

[Coach Dave]

Thanks dingbat. I hadn't considered a control valve on the livewell. Makes sense - time to go shopping! I don't plan on running the livewell pump and washdown pump at the same time, unless a catfish's bowels cut loose on me when taking the hook out :highly_amused:. The washdown will mostly be used at the end of the day to wash down the decks before loading on the trailer. :laser:Or for blasting my boy with water:lol: