Bilge pump. Novice needs advice

[bentleys]

Hey all... complete clueless novice here.

After a near sinking experience as a result of a dodgey seal around a bung I’m left with nightmares of sinking. I’m starting to think thatI need to get a pump to get me out of trouble should this arise again.

Issue I have is that the hull is completely enclosed. It’s only a little 12ft speedboat being used on the river. I started to think about using a bit of garden hose to get suction on in time of dire need in the interim

Is there anything on the market I can use without have to cut an access hole in the deck

 

[longjohnsilver]

Are you looking for an automatic electric bilge pump or a hand operated one? Either way there’s nothing stopping you having an outlet hose just dangling over the side - just make sure it’s well above the water level to avoid any chance of back syphoning, or even better, fit a non return valve.

 

[Mr Googler]

Seaflo 720 GPH Boat Marine Manual Diaphragm Hand Bilge Water Pump Aluminium Seaflo 720 GPH Boat Marine Manual Diaphragm Hand Bilge Water Pump Aluminium: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

anywhere to bolt that?

bit of hose into the bilge.....bit of hose over the side. Hose can be coiled up whilst not in use.

if you’re thinking of sucking on one end of a bit of hose to get a syphon going like in the films.....no chance.

 

[bentleys]

Oh really. See shows how little I know. That looks like a good a shout! Thanks

Either or really. Whatever works. It’s probably my poor understanding but, I thought the pumps had to sit under the deck, in the hull for the pumps to work or be activated which is a no go for this boat unfortunately.

Thanks
H

 

[LittleSister]

Note that garden hose is no good for the inlet side of the pump. You need reinforced hose (not expensive) for that (and preferably the outlet side, too).

Note also that a bilge pump (whether manual or electric) is no substitute for a water-tight boat. You will not be able to pump faster than a serious inflow of water.

 

[Mr Googler]

Oh really. See shows how little I know. That looks like a good a shout! Thanks

Either or really. Whatever works. It’s probably my poor understanding but, I thought the pumps had to sit under the deck, in the hull for the pumps to work or be activated which is a no go for this boat unfortunately.

Thanks
H

An electric submersible bilge pump does need to go below decks....at the lowest point so it can suck out the most water.

what I linked to is just a big hand pump. It’ll suck out whatever you stick one end of the hose in! Re-enforced hose ?

 

[BruceK]

Oh really. See shows how little I know. That looks like a good a shout! Thanks

Either or really. Whatever works. It’s probably my poor understanding but, I thought the pumps had to sit under the deck, in the hull for the pumps to work or be activated which is a no go for this boat unfortunately.

Thanks
H

An electric submersible bilge pump does need to go below decks....at the lowest point so it can suck out the most water.

what I linked to is just a big hand pump. It’ll suck out whatever you stick one end of the hose in! Re-enforced hose ?

No, an impeller based pump needs the impeller below the water level to work. A diaphragm pump (self priming) can within reason be situated reasonably high off the water level. They are considerably more expensive and generally pump less volume though and better for keeping the bilge dry rather than competing against a major leak


edit e.g. Flojet RLF122002D Self-priming diaphragm pump 12 volt d.c. | TF Pump Supplies and Services