Adding a Foward Bilge Pump

[elbori00]

I have a 83 EF and yesterday found it almost sunk :( . I think because of the foam the boat didn't sunk. The motors did not get to the water and after 1 hour draining the boat start and took it out of the water. Apparently the self bailing start to pick up water and the pump did not start making this mess. My question is, can a foward pump be installed in the cabin floor to eliminate this from happened again. Or any other suggestions on preventing this from happened again.

Appreciate any help in this matter.

Alberto

[wingtime]

What size boat do you have?  I'm not familiar with the EF are you referring to the XF walkaround?

[Capt. Bob]

Well anything is possible (in this case doable ) but.....

Your hull is a CCP with a different cap. That stated, CCPs (of that era anyway) did not have a forward bilge pump.
First, as you know, repairing the thru hull deck drainage is the single most important step in the process. The thru hull hose connection is known to leak with age (as with any hose connection). I kept my 84 CCP in the water for about a year with no problem but...

I had replaced both the thru hull itself and the hose connection to the drain, used a float switch on the rear bilge pump and kept a trickle charger (battery tender) on all the time.

I'm not sure you need a forward bilge pump unless water is somehow leaking in up front from rain or another thru hull connection I'm not familiar with in that year model. Still, you could add another thru hull (like the later model Explorer) and place a pump forward. You would have to cut in an access deck plate in the cabin and just run your wiring back to the helm. Another access hatch could be located on the bottom (cushion support, say on the starboard side) of the v berth to connect the discharge from the pump to the thru hull (and also allow proper connection of the thru hull itself).

Good luck.

[elbori00]

I had the boat connected to a battery charger but I belive the float switch got stock or something and did not start the pump. Once we take out much of the water suddently the pump start working automaticly. I was thinking on use some plugs in the back so no water will enter from the scuppers. Also will change the scuppers for the ones with the ball inside so the water cant go back.

Thanks for the help.

Alberto

[wingtime]

I had a 200XF. The TH Marine ball suppers were a big help to keep the splash well dry. If your hull is like my 81 model yours does not have the CCP style deck drains the have the hoses that leak. Preventing water from leaking from the deck into the hull is key though. I think there was very little space available under the cabin floor for a forward bilge pump.

[pete]

Two bilge pumps is the way to go,both wired and plumbed independently  

[elbori00]

Thanks for the information. I will let you know if I could make this.

Regards,

Alberto

[GoneFission]

A forward bilge pump was an option on CCPs.  However, you could just put a backup pump wherever you have access to ensure at least one will work.  I am a believer in double bilge pumps - hey, one of my boats actually has 3 - but at least I don't have to worry about having a working pump...