1985 Hunter 25.5 simk pump style faucet questions

[Will Baker]

I just purchased a 1985 Hunter 25.5. She's a great boat (was in decent shape when I bought her and cleaned up real nice).Anyway, I am having a hard time getting the sink faucets to function properly. They are the plunger type pumps. The kitchen faucet pump works better than the faucet pump in the head-- I suspect because it is closer to the water tank. The bathroom sink water worked when the tank was full, but then stopped working. It also operates "harder" as if it is in need of lubrication or maintenance. Is there maintenance that I need to do to these pumps? Should they be lubricated and if so with what? I am tempted to put s drop of oil or some Vaseline on the white tube shaft, but I don't want to do any harm. Any hints or tricks would be appreciated. I guess as a last resort I could install a new one (and ANY advice folks could give on that would be appreciated. I've sailed small "beach boats" for years and this is my first "larger" boat. Does Hunter have replacement parts for a 1985?  I would appreciate any help folks can give me. Thanks...

 

[Joe Boyette]

Sink pumps

I bought a 1986 25.5 this spring with the same problems. The galley sink pump had allready been replaced with a FYNSPRAY plastic pump. This one needed a repair kit which was available from WEST MARINE - fairly easy job. The head sink pump was stock Hunter - it was worn out - I trashed it and bought another FYNSPRAY so both pumps would be the same...

 

[John]

Something to check

I have an electric powered pump system, but do have occasional problems. You might want to check to see if air gets into your water lines. Mine periodically accumulate pockets of air at locations where it is pulled into the pump when turned on. The result is no water at one or both faucets. If I get rid of the air, water returns. Unfortunately, it would be very difficult for me to re-route my waterlines to get rid of the problem permanently, but that could be done if I wasn't so lazy.Of course, this may not be related to the "hardness" you are experiencing in operating the manual pumps. I assume they would work a little harder if the pump mechanism goes dry (unless they are diaphram based pumps). Not knowing how they are made, if they operate with a plunger mechanism you might investigate the use of a lubricant used in household water fixtures called "key grease." The stuff is white, non-toxic, oderless and tasteless. Since it is used on valves with rubber washers, I doubt it would hurt a rubber or leather plunger.

 

[Will Baker]

Thank you!

I used faucet grease and the sink pump in the head is now working well!