Anchor Wash-down Pump

heritage · Mar 4, 2019

I can recommend the Shurflo pumps. Have never used the others though..

Gunni · Mar 4, 2019

Not all the same. You want a simple run-dry diaphragm style pump which is rated as a bilge pump so it is corrosion resistent. The Jabsco shower /waste pump will work and it has large 3/4” ports for full flow.
https://www.fisheriessupply.com/jabsco-light-duty-shower-drain-and-diaphragm-waste-pump-200-gph

Stu Jackson · Mar 4, 2019

Gunni said:
Not all the same. You want a simple run-dry diaphragm style pump which is rated as a bilge pump so it is corrosion resistent.

I have a friend who used an actual bilge pump. He attached a hose and nozzle and then simply dropped over the bow, he had a switch wired into the waterproof wiring and then hauled it up when he was done, it lived in the anchor locker.

Terry Cox · Mar 4, 2019

Hi Greg, no intent here to throw sea water on your anchor wash down pump, but what has worked for me over the years is a two gallon plastic bucket with a lanyard. Other than that, nothing more to offer.

seadaddler · Mar 4, 2019

I have been using a good wash down pump from I think Amazon and priced around best price for a good pressure pump.
Sure bucket is ok but I get a lot of mud on my Mantus anchor and as we pull up the anchor and wife starts motoring out of a crowded anchorage or maybe a windy day I really like washing
the anchor as we motor out of anchorage with out any problems and love a wash down pump for a few years now which works really great for us.
Nick

capta · Mar 5, 2019

I believe every boat supply catalog has wash down pumps and kits in them. Just choose the gph you want in your price range. Try Defender for a price reference.

capta · Mar 5, 2019

NYSail said:
Yes..... I looked at defender and all the other resources for wash down pumps. Also read the reviews for all the different makes. 6 different makers of 5 GPM pumps. Just looking for input from actual real world usage....... sort of like heads Jabsco gets thumbs down raritan thumps up.......

Thanks!
Greg

Remember, these (washdown pumps), unlike most bilge or water system pumps, tend to be continuous duty pumps rather than intermittent duty pumps. A bit sturdier in construction and wiring, which is why they cost a bit more.

Tucker67 · Mar 5, 2019

I have a Groco Heavy Duty Positive Displacement Vane Pump - 12v. Part SPO-60-N 12V. Easy to fix and bullet proof

LeslieTroyer · Mar 5, 2019

I have Jasco washdown. It really gets the mud off the anchor (at least when the temp is >30 and I use it).

Les

jssailem · Mar 6, 2019

LeslieTroyer said:
at least when the temp is >30

The mud was frozen when it came to the surface. Some of the mud was washed away by the green water over the bow during our Georgia Strait crossing. No pump needed.

Gunni · Mar 6, 2019

You’ll need a plan to winterize your washdown pump, frozen pumps end up being leaky spraying pumps.

I have mine set up to be a forward bilge pump, an extension intake hose can be run to the bilge. That is also a convenient method for slurping up some AF during winterization.

jssailem · Mar 6, 2019

@NYSail It seems you could just drain the pump. Open up both ends and the pump body... Nothing but air inside. Wouldn't that also solve the problem?

Gunni · Mar 6, 2019

jssailem said:
@NYSail It seems you could just drain the pump. Open up both ends and the pump body... Nothing but air inside. Wouldn't that also solve the problem?

There is no way to completely drain a diaphragm pump other than disassembly, the check valves retain water. Once the valves freeze up the pump doesn’t have a way to relieve pressure - the case or hard fittings will split. So an install needs to be easy to AF if you live in the freeze zones.

Scott B · Mar 6, 2019

Wash-down pump is probably the easiest of all systems, unclip the hose from the pump to the thru-hull, insert hose with pump fitting, insert into gallon of AF, run pump until gallon gone and pink spraying out of hose. In spring hook back up to thru-hull and spray until clear water.