[Public-List] Seaflo Bilge Pumps

Fri Jul 24 10:00:49 PDT 2015

Hi All,
I wonder a bit about the placement of the large bilge pump. What is the 
justification for having it positioned higher than the small one? I 
could guess that you might do so to actuate when the water level gets 
really high... but that is not a function of the height of the pump, but 
rather the location of the switch. With this in mind, I might be 
inclined to position both pumps as low as possible but perhaps position 
the two switches at different elevations?
Any thoughts there?
Thanks,
Anders

On 07/24/2015 09:12 AM, Jonathan Bresler via Public-List wrote:
> 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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