adding a second bilge pump

[Mike Aston]

I want to add a second bilge pump and I would apreciate some advice. DO I simply Tee-in the outlet of the second pump to the the outlet hose of the existing pump or do I need to add some none return valves? Is there a standard way of making the electrical connection?

 

[Timm R]

Secondary bilge pump

There is more than one way to do this.When I added a second pump,I wired it separate.If the first pump were to short out it would trip the circuit breaker which would now turn off your newly installed second pump.If you are using an automatic bilge switch it may not turn on if the second pump is located in a differant place.If you simply tee the two lines the pumps will fight each other.If you install check valves the pumps will have to overcome the springs.You do not want resistance to flow.Check valves are also another place for foreign material to clog should you pump ingest something.Sorry for the long post I do this for a living and have seen disasters as a result of shortcuts.

 

[Mike Aston]

Two through hulls?

If you do not wnt the pumps fighting each other and there are problems with check valves does this mean I need a new through hull?

 

[Charlie14094]

Two pumps

Mike,When I got my "86 C22 it had the factory installed manual pump in the cockpit with the discharge thru the transom above the waterline. The PO had added a auto matic pump with a float switch in the lowest part of the very small bilge area and I believe he just left the free end of the discharge hose thru the hatch to the cockpit floor. I couldn't figure out what good this did as when you closed up the hatch the hose laid on the interior floor doing no good. Like you, I had no idea how to connect thru the hull. I was told that if I did what you have been told I would suffer the same problems. In the end I elected to add a second thru hull fitting at the transom, inboard and slightly higher that the existing one. I have had no issues with the performance or placement. I have it wired directly to the battery to a seperate fused switch from West Marine. There always seems to be just enough water in the bildge, but not enough for the pump. When I installed it, I filled the boat with water just to see how much it would take to trigger the pump and how long it would take to empty and whether or not the battery could keep up. It takes a lot of water and a long time. Its the price you pay for paranoia.Good Luck

 

[Timm R]

Maybe Not

When I added a second pump,I was very reluctant to drill or otherwise create another place that water might find it's way back in.On my dorade vents ,there is a hose going from the lowest bilge area (where the pump sits)I simply slid the discharge line from the pump inside the 3 inch vent line .The end of the discharge line is even with the vent .You have to look in the vent to see it,but the water never runs back in .Maybe this will work for you also.Good luck Timm