Bilge pump backup advice please

[SunshineBridge]

Hi all,
Sorry for long post, but I'd like some advice from the experts.

I've just got myself a classic broads cruiser built in 1970, 43ft in length and 11ft beam, pine on oak ribs. She is moored on the Thames, in a non tidal reach.
The planking at the stern is leaking at a rate of about 20-30 litres an hour. This volume is a complete guess, but the bilge pump activates every 40 minutes or so for 2 minutes. There is only one bilge pump fitted currently and no alarm. I'm lifting her shortly for a full survey and I'm expecting either to have to replace planking or re-caulk, to fix the leak.

In the past she has had engine failure and the bilge is covered in oil and this also need sorting. (it's really bad!)

I want to add a second automatic bilge pump and an alarm. So that I have a primary and secondary bilge pump, with an alarm signal when the primary bilge pump capacity has been exceeded or it has failed.

Can you please comment on alternative protection schemes you have used or suggest an improved scheme. All input welcomed.
Thanks, Graham

 

[monkey_trousers]

ain't no bilge pump as good as a frightened man with a bucket

 

[RobinBirch]

Fit a bilge pump monitor - these can monitor multiple pumps, give alarms and SMS to a mobile.

I fitted one of these to my Hillyard to monitor pump cycles between visits

http://www.ybw-directory.com/Marine...sumer/full_review.jsp?r_id=685&category_id=15

 

[SunshineBridge]

Fit a bilge pump monitor - these can monitor multiple pumps, give alarms and SMS to a mobile.

I fitted one of these to my Hillyard to monitor pump cycles between visits

http://www.ybw-directory.com/Marine...sumer/full_review.jsp?r_id=685&category_id=15

Thanks Robin,
This is useful, much cheaper than the alternative I was considering which was an alarm as well. But this is what I need and affordable.

80% of boats sink on their moorings Nice statistic!

 

[RobinBirch]

From what I remember I bought the monitor off E Bay - one of the 'make an offer' deals. I think I paid less than £40. I fitted it myself. I live in Nottingham and Hanser is in Wareham, Dorset and it can be a month between visits. It is very reassuring to know what's been happening in the bilges!

 

[cliffordpope]

You can make a pretty good depth sensor from the bits in an old washing machine.

 

[TamarMike]

You can make a pretty good depth sensor from the bits in an old washing machine.

Takes up less space as well, I made one (using new spares) for my old boat from an article in PBO in the 1990's. Mag. got thrown out when we moved house, does anyone have the instructions still.

wrt backup pump the problem is that if the main pump has problems it will flatten the battery so I presume you have shore power at present.

 

[laurance]

In addition to improved pumping arrangements suggested what about reducing with the leak itself? The trick with the bag of sawdust released in the suspected area of the leak really can work in my experience, though one can feel a bit self conscious in the act, as though announcing a sudden belief in the supernatural. In addition is the fothering sail ploy, though where you will lay your hands on and old canvas t'gallant sail these days...

 

[hlb]

Bilge pumps are notorious for failing, as are float switches.

I got fitted a high water bilge alarm, which is basicly just three float switches in the three bilges. At first it was useless, as there was just a tiny buzzer. So I now have a big claxton outside, so it can be heard from 100 yards away. The idea being, that if some thing goes wrong, the marina or who ever can hear it, whether I am on the boat or not.