Whale Vers 6 Galley pump

[Whomper]

Whale foot pumps are very reliable, with no leaks, especially if you eliminate the problem of a loose main axle.

I wholeheartedly agree. My last boat had the foot pump and I pumped thousands of gallons through it without fail. Also used whales for my holding tank (after three electric macerators failed) and my bilge. Surprised at the lack of quality design in this one!

 

[Whomper]

repeated message.

 

[Boathook]

The hand pumps do not have a great reputation.

Whale foot pumps are very reliable, with no leaks, especially if you eliminate the problem of a loose main axle.

If it is practical to install a foot pump on your yacht, as well as better reliability, it leaves both hands free, which is a major advantage.

View attachment 198617

I keep pushing the pin back in. Keep meaning to remove the pump and put a couple of simple covers on the ends to hold the pin in place. Another option is a bolt with a smooth shank and nyloc. Easier to push pin back in so far .....

 

[noelex]

I keep pushing the pin back in.

This is the one problem with the whale foot pumps.

The axle for the foot mechanism is a stainless pin that is a simple push fit in the plastic. There is nothing to stop it gradually working its way out, and with time, it does just this.

When it moves enough to slip out of one side, it tends to jam in place. The pump still works. It pumps less well, but it is easy to miss the reduced performance. Worst of all, the greater movement of the lever shortens the life of the diaphragm significantly.

So if you have one of these pumps, check if the axle has moved. As the axle is under the pump, you may have to use your finger. The axle goes through the pump, so you need to check both sides. When fitting properly, the pin should be flush as in the photo. If it is sticking out one side, push it back so it is centred. If it is sticking out more than 6-7mm, it has slipped enough to no longer be working correctly, and it will be reducing the life of the diaphragm.

You can just push the axle back in place, but as our pumps are more difficult to reach, and we have three of them, I installed a simple bent ”U” shaped piece of aluminium to stop the pin moving.

 

[DanLXIX]

I never managed to stop it leaking when it was used manually. I got round this by installing an electric pump, so I only had to pump ithe tap to prime the electric pump. Sold the boat now and so no longer have this issue (just others instaed )

 

[C08]

I had one of these that lasted about 1 day before starting to leak. A rubbish design that I should have returned but lost the receipt. I tried to use extra O rings but that was only partially successful. Rubbish design. I am not impressed with Whale as I am about to return a new "self priming" electric galley pump that does not self prime.

 

[Boathook]

I had one of these that lasted about 1 day before starting to leak. A rubbish design that I should have returned but lost the receipt. I tried to use extra O rings but that was only partially successful. Rubbish design. I am not impressed with Whale as I am about to return a new "self priming" electric galley pump that does not self prime.

If it is one of those inline ones I always fitted them as low as possible as they are only a simple vane and don't generate any real pressure.