[Public-List] Seaflo Bilge Pumps

[Gordon Laco via Public-List]

Once upon a time it was regulation that Canadian yachts had to have their manual bilge pumps mounted so that the pump was operable by the helmsman without opening a hatch.  Surprise has one if these and I like everything about the concept. 

Gord #426 Surprise 

On 2015-07-20, at 7:39 PM, Jon Budington via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:

> I installed a Whale Gusher on Nimble. The pump is in the lazarette, and the handle comes out right near the tiller. I figured I could steer and pump at the same time this way. I store the handle in a spring clip inside the lazarette hatch. I haven't used my electric bilge pump since - I should probably test it. 
> 
> Jon Budington
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jul 20, 2015, at 6:30 PM, Amy & David Swanson via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>> 
>> I would second all that Glenn said.  Seriously consider a manual pump that can be operated from the cockpit.  If you do go with 2 eletric pumps, mount the second (larger) one higher, and wire it on its own circuit (I wired mine to a different battery).  Make sure you have an alarm and/or LED indicator visible inside & in the cockpit so you can know if it comes on, especially when motoring. If it comes on, something is not right  &you want to know.  Also think about your discharge.  Our boat #219 had a single large Rule in the bilge with a hose you have to pull out of the cockpit locker & hang over the side.  Not cool, especially when I let it hang all the way down to the water & it back-siphoned half the river into the boat.
>> 
>>> On 7/20/2015 1:05 PM, Glenn Brooks via Public-List wrote:
>>> Hello Jonathan,
>>> 
>>> Congratulations on your new boat!
>>> 
>>> Personal opinion is 500 GPM is a bit small for a primary bilge pump aboard an a30.  I've used a manual Rule 1500 for many years on Dolce and have been happy with it.  One can put in a secondary electric pump, but some, including myself opt for a good second manual whale gusher pump- perhaps located in the cockpit.  A whale gusher moves a lot of water and does not depend on battery power to work.  If your batteries are in the bilge below the floor boards, your power source is at great risk if the boat experiences flooding.  Hence a whale gusher is a great alternative and back up.
>>> 
>>> A wood of caution about Rule float switches - they are absolute garbage - with failure rates reported on the Cruising World forum as frequently as 6 to 9 months after installation.  I replaced something like 6 or 7 of these horrible things in 9 years on Dolce. The most recent lasted less than 9 months. So said enuf is enuf and  finally went with a solid state sensor  switch.  Have advocated boycotting Rule ever since.
>>> 
>>> If you do install two electric switches, be sure to check the manufacturers recommended wiring plan.  They have to be wired In series I think, or better yet, with separate wring harness into separate breakers, to avoid the prospect of burning out the pumps when both are in operation.  This happened to me after an inopportune grounding up in northern Canadian waters years ago when we sprung our garboard planks and started taking on copious water.  Both pumps shorted because of improper wiring method. No fun at all that day...
>>> 
>>> Best regards
>>> Glenn B.
>>> Boatless in Seattle
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPad
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 20, 2015, at 9:46 AM, Jonathan Bresler via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Hello,
>>>> 
>>>> After racing with TC Williams and Mike Nikolich in the Annapolis Yacht Club
>>>> Wednesday Night Races and some weekend races, for about 15 years, I finally
>>>> bought a boat!   Bought #262 from Tom Baker two months ago.  Thank you,
>>>> Tom! Have been having a wonderful time sailing her and introducing my
>>>> family to sailing.
>>>>