Open boat - bilge pump battery drain

[nictbrown]

I have an open boat about 4.5m similar to a Dory, which has an automatic bilge pump. If I moor this will the pump in dealing with rain water quickly drain the battery? I know that depends on the battery and amount of rain, but I would welcome a guide please? Thanks

 

[domlee]

I had a similar set up with an open cockpit boat circa 7m. I used a Halford's wet cell car battery rated at a reserve capacity of 65 minutes at 25 amps running load and a small Rule automatic pump.

The pump was of the type that spun the impeller once every two minutes - if resistance to the impeller was detected i.e. a presence of water then the pump would automatically activate until the water was cleared.

The boat was on a trailer for a period of 5 months over the winter and cleared all the collected water. Although I brought along a reserve battery, at launch there was enough power to start a 50hp outboard.

So based on my experiences, I would say a small battery allied to a small pump would easily clear rain water for 5 months or more.

 

[fireball]

If your thinking of longer term mooring then perhaps it would be a good idea to invest in a cover. We had one made for our club launch and it has lasted very well - it will also protect the boat from UV, birds and other stuff.... as well as keeping the rain off ...

If you are only doing short term or don't want to buy a cover, then if your concerned about it raining too much (seen Weirwood resevoir recently?) then perhaps a solar charger would be of benefit?

 

[ccscott49]

Have you considered, 1) a cover and 2) a wave/wash actuated bilge pump?

 

[FWB]

I have a small open boat which I use to reach my mooring. It is afloat all year. I have an auto bilge pump powered by a battery. The battery is kept charged by a solar panel. The boat is always dry.

 

[pessimist]

Looked for a wave operated pump a couple of years ago and couldn't find one. Any idea who stocks them?

 

[ccscott49]

No, sorry, but I do know they are still available, saw one in Alcudia, new! Should have asked, but dont need one.

 

[pessimist]

Not to worry. Thanks anyway.

 

[cpedw]

Gael Force sell the Smart Wave Pump but what a price!

Derek

 

[greenburn]

I have just wired in two solar charging panels, the type you get for your car, about £20 each from Maplin etc.
So far the output looks good, plus the pumps are only supply on demand, so there's more charge than discharge.
I also wired in a lighter socket to make it easier to boost the battery if required.

 

[Ropewalk Marine]

Off the shelf solution to bilge pumps draining batteries.

We find a great deal of RIB's with this problem at our site in Lymington.
We have found the most robust solution to this problem to use a Sea Joule Solar Powered Bilge Pump. Link to the product is here. We warn you now that we've discounted the product but it is still quite pricey. Works like a dream though and is a very compact and reliable solution.