Bilge pumps

Hi,

I need to replace (or repair?) my electric bilge pump on my Baba 30'. I currently have a very old bilge pump (~23 years) which is simply a brush type motor with an external pump attached to a diaphragm. My problem is that my rubber belt (from the motor to the pump) keeps slipping off of the rotors.

Does anyone have a bilge pump to recommend (that I could purchase at West Marine and isn't too expensive)? Or has anyone had a similar problem and has come up with a solution to repair my pump?

I hope I've made sense,
Jon

 

Bilge pumps come in different styles; cartridge, adjustable discharge, integral switches, manual and electric.

As a general rule you can't have too big a pump aboard, especially a small boat (30' and under) as they have less bilge capacity to hold water away from engines and electrics, can ship more water because of low freeboard and have less internal volume thusly will sink faster.

Offshore racing sailboats are required to have two manual pumps, one in the cockpit and the other below, both permanently installed. Typical installations are automatic/electric in each bilge area and a big manual backup.

I personally like the electric without the switch installed, so I can mount the switch better then the large base of the pump will allow. I make this automatic with a 3 way bilge pump switch on the electrical panel or dash. The first switch setting is Automatic, which will pump if the switch is moved by water, the second setting is OFF the third is manual, where I can pump, regardless of switch position as long as I push the button (or rocker) This allows the last few gallons to get sucked out of the bilge.

Basically it boils down to what you need and want. Pumps are available in many GPH (Gallon Per Hour) and the bigger the better if heading offshore. West Marine has a Rule non-auto pump for $15 that puts out a slim 360 GPH as their bottom of the heap, but also sell a Rule non-auto for $155 that delivers 3,700 GPH (now that's pumping) both are 12 VDC. Pumps are available in 24 and 32 VDC configurations also as well as 110 VAC.

Pickup a Piranha model 2661247 or 2661270 pump/switch combo. (700 & 1000 GPH respectively) the 700 GPH is around $45 and the 1000 is About 65 bucks.

 

Thanks a lot,

I don't race my Baba 30'... inshore or offshore... I just live on it (I'd rather race other people's boats!)

I'll take a look at the Piranha.

Thanks,
Jon

 

If you live aboard, you need a bullet proof and hefty system, unless you dangle your foot over the edge of the berth so you can sense the water rising over the sole, while you sleep.

This is a big issue, not the sort of one that should be treated with "how cheap can I do it" thinking (not that you are)

for what it's worth . . .

 

AS a backup think about installing a second bilge pump , and switch , higher than the normal unit.

Hook the second pump to an alarm bell too , so you will know when the first has failed.

Belt & suspenders , if you don't like a wet bunk!

FAST FRED