[Public-List] Seaflo Bilge Pumps

Fri Jul 24 06:56:56 PDT 2015

I've gotta me-too that. I've repaired my pump twice: once because the
diaphragm had cracked (so I did a rebuild) and another time because a
piece of rope had gotten sucked in (I believe it once belonged to an
oil-absorbent pad) and was holding one of the flapper valves open.

The latter brings up another important point about your bilge pumps: if
they don't live at the end of the hose and have their own strainer, then
a strum box is a Very Good Idea.

Cheers,
Kris

On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 09:42:51AM -0400, Rod via Public-List wrote:
> I would not discard the Gusher. Mine would not pump at all simply because the flapper valves were stiff with age and held open by grit.  A rebuild kit with all the rubber parts was available at my local marine store and the job is not rocket science. 
> 
> 
> Cheers,  Rod 
> 
> <div>-------- Original message --------</div><div>From: Jonathan Bresler via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> </div><div>Date:24-07-2015  9:12 AM  (GMT-05:00) </div><div>To: Gordon Laco <mainstay at csolve.net>, Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> </div><div>Subject: Re: [Public-List] Seaflo Bilge Pumps </div><div>
> </div>Thank you all for the information provided.
> The community of Albergers is a wonderful source.
> 
> Sounds like I need to do the following:
> 
>    - replace the existing Rule 500 with a higher flow automatic pump.
>     1500gph or larger.
>    - replace the existing failed Whale Gusher 10 mk3 with a functioning
>    manual bilge pump that is plumbed to a thruhull fitting located well above
>    the water line for discharge of bilge water.  Preferably the pump should be
>    operable from the helm.
>    - If installing a second bilge pump, mount it higher in the bilge on a
>    dedicated circuit with an alarm that can be heard over the sound of the
>    engine and wake a sleeping sailor.
>    - Avoid Rule-a-matic float switches....they tend to fail within a year
>    of installation.
> 
> Two questions come to mind:
> 
>    1. Does anyone have experience with a SeaFlo 3000 GPH-01 bilge pump (
>    http://www.seaflo.com/en/productDetail_288.html)
>    2. Any recommendations for a bilge pump float switch ?   Found this one
>    on Amazon "Bilge Pump Switch" from Aqualarm
>    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NO8T8LM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2ZIKXX4EPGB74
> 
> Jonathan
> 
> On Mon, Jul 20, 2015 at 8:45 PM, Gordon Laco via Public-List <
> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> 
> > 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.
> > >>>>
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> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Jonathan M Bresler
> Alberg 30 #262
> Annapolis/Eastport MD
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-- 
Kris Coward					http://unripe.melon.org/
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