Optimum bilge pumps setup

[geem]

Agreed.
Our only used bilge pump is a 500cc syringe, used to suck the water out of the bilge sump after cleaning.
We have an electric bilge pump to take the rain out of the RIB and I sometimes race open boats, where we are pretty serious about bilge pumps.

The yacht has the two manual pumps required for racing, plus an electric which gets used for deck wash.
The shower drain pump is also electric.

I guess its horses for courses. If you race then you might not be far from land where help is at hand. Or you may have a big crew. Not the same situation as sailing longer distances say across Biscay, short handed.

 

[lynallbel]

I have a resettable electromechanical counter wired across both of my automatic bilge pumps to show the number of times the pumps run while I'm away

Counter and switches on top line next to the cap.

I have 2 high capacity rule centrifugal pumps which have air pressure type level switch switch to either manual or automatic. each has a seperate section of my domestic battery with each bank with its own solar panel for charging while I am away.

I also have a henderson Mk V pump at the helm and 2 hendersons in my the cabin that can be operated by one person, each with own outlet

Roger, have you a link for the counter, as I cannot find them on ebay etc?

 

[rogerthebodger]

Roger, have you a link for the counter, as I cannot find them on ebay etc?

The electromechanical are a bit old hat these days as most have electrical counting which need power all the time.

Some I found

Google Image Result for https://richelectronics.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/imported/9/Panel-Mount-12VDC-Counter-manual-reset-6-Digit-Bonar-Inst-Ltd-50120300-OM0417-251335052059.JPG

Google Image Result for https://www.kuebler.com/images/produkte/zaehler_prozess/low_res/18/z3215-K-46-20-cpd-std-srgb-20180928.jpg

K46 Pulse counter electromechanical Product details - Kübler Group - Worldwide

12VDC pulse electromechanical resettable counter | eBay

https://uk.farnell.com/k-bler/1-150-510-012-550/counter-elect-mech-12vdc-w15-51/dp/4729778

12VDC electromechanical resettable counter UK - Google Search

 

[lynallbel]

The electromechanical are a bit old hat these days as most have electrical counting which need power all the time.

Some I found

Google Image Result for https://richelectronics.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/imported/9/Panel-Mount-12VDC-Counter-manual-reset-6-Digit-Bonar-Inst-Ltd-50120300-OM0417-251335052059.JPG

Google Image Result for https://www.kuebler.com/images/produkte/zaehler_prozess/low_res/18/z3215-K-46-20-cpd-std-srgb-20180928.jpg

K46 Pulse counter electromechanical Product details - Kübler Group - Worldwide

12VDC pulse electromechanical resettable counter | eBay

https://uk.farnell.com/k-bler/1-150-510-012-550/counter-elect-mech-12vdc-w15-51/dp/4729778

12VDC electromechanical resettable counter UK - Google Search

Thank you

 

[PilotWolf]

Apart from a manual and an electric pump, my boat has a provision to switch the engine’s water intake to a hose with strainer down in the bilge. It is amazing how much water this shifts even at low revs. I use it when preparing the boat for the winter to flush the exhaust system and a garden hose running at full pelt can’t keep up with it. It is no use when you’re not aboard, but when you’re sailing it is a nice backup.

just don’t use the cooling water pump because if it runs dry you risk overheating.

W

 

[TLouth7]

just don’t use the cooling water pump because if it runs dry you risk overheating.

What other water intake hose is there?

 

[PilotWolf]

What other water intake hose is there?

Add a electric clutch pump With as simple manifold for each compartment.

if you add a saltwater intake you have a deck wash/fire hose too.

W

 

[fisherman]

Jabsco here:
Jabsco 50080-2001 Clutch Pump For Bilge / Deckwash
You can have a manual clutch.
Nothing is foolproof. Manual clutches wear if you clutch in out too much. Electric clutch will fail if your electrics give up, it needs current to stay engaged. Gilkes vane pump: runs dry or wet...but not self priming like a Jabsco. (does self prime)

 

[westhinder]

just don’t use the cooling water pump because if it runs dry you risk overheating.

W

The intake is at the bottom of the bilge. I suppose if it has to be used in anger I will be monitoring the water level and will only be too glad to be able to revert to normal operation, ie cooling water intake from outside. It is a simple switchover.