Classic AquaSport

Aquasport Mechanicals - things that need a wrench, screwdriver or multimeter => Plumbing => Topic started by: pete on March 02, 2012, 10:21:11 PM

Title: Back-up bilge pump project
Post by: pete on March 02, 2012, 10:21:11 PM: Hey guys,
My project for this winter was a back up bilge pump.After hearing all the horror stories about thru hulls giving way and bilge pumps failing,I thought it would be a good idea.I did alot of research on the best way to hook it up and found that,just like anything else,there are different "right" ways to do it.Some say hook it direct to the battery,no switch,then a read a pro switch article that made a good point "what if the float switch fails?"then you have an operable pump not working when you need it.So I decided to wire it direct to the battery and use a switch that had a manual or auto option.I made a switch pod from 1/4" ply and glassed it,mounted the switch right near the battery switch so I could turn them on all at once.I was able to do all the wiring at the workbench,just measured the runs,no snaking wire to the helm.In an emergency I'll be in the stern trying to see whats wrong so I will be able to operate the switch to manual if needed.So thats it now I have 2-1500 gph rule pumps.
(http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q223/Pete1681/bilgepump003.jpg)

(http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q223/Pete1681/bilgepump004.jpg)

(http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q223/Pete1681/bilgepump002.jpg)

(http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q223/Pete1681/bilgepump005.jpg)

(http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q223/Pete1681/bilgepump001.jpg)

:salut:
Title: Re: Back-up bilge pump project
Post by: wingtime on March 02, 2012, 11:28:10 PM: Very nice! :thumleft:
Title: Re: Back-up bilge pump project
Post by: Circle Hooked on March 02, 2012, 11:31:45 PM: Great job Pete :thumright: very smart idea.

How hard was it to put in the other t hull fitting ?
Title: Re: Back-up bilge pump project
Post by: pete on March 02, 2012, 11:55:39 PM: Pretty simple,used a hole saw,drilled hole used 5200 to seal,hand tite then fully tighten next day,used a little sandpaper to champher the gel coat so it doesn't chip,double clamp the hose. :cheers:
Title: Re: Back-up bilge pump project
Post by: Aswaff400 on March 03, 2012, 06:19:33 AM: nice work, but heres an idea that we did on our searay, for the second float switch, we mounted it about 6 inches higher than the main float switch and wired it to an alarm so in the event of an issue we are well aware of it before the damage is already done. the main pump is controlled from the dash, the second pump is always on auto with its own circuit and breaker. so even if the main float and/or pump quit working, the second will begin automatically and let us know its working... our last boat took on alot of water once and by time we noticed and looking around in the bilge, the damage was already done.

:salut:
Title: Re: Back-up bilge pump project
Post by: gran398 on March 03, 2012, 08:24:59 AM: Nice work Pete! Lot of peace of mind at a nominal cost.

Also noticed the clean bilge and shipshape condition. Seabob was mentioning that some boats he gets in are filthy dirty, trash everywhere, old plastic wrappers, vienna cans, food, etc. It whizzes him off to deal with other peoples crap.

Again great job, like the pump capacity too. No toy there.