Anyone tried this

[sailaway78]

Many years ago, I believe it was Scott Attwater, made their outboards with a built in bilge pump. A hose came off the engine, and was constantly sucking any time the engine was running. I assume that all they did was use some type of venturi in a water line. So, why wouldn't this work on an inboard diesel. If you had a venturi in the water line, between the exh. manifold, and the mixing elbow, wouldn't this pull enough vacum to suck some water. I have a 2000 gph rule as a primary bilge pump, with an electronic float switch. The Rule will not get the last 1/2 to 3/4 inches of water out. So, unless resorting to a bucket and sponge, which is a PITA, always have this water in there. What ya think, would this work, and be worth attempting.

 

[Koichi]

I wouldn't do it

Such a system would expose you to the possibility of flooding your boat really quick. The US Navy have eductors, which use pressurised water to create the venturi. You would be amazed how many spaces on Navy ships get flooded because of valves were not operated in the correct sequence, back up from the over board discharge line, and leak by in the pressurized side of the system. I use a sponge and bucket to take care of water my bilge pump cannot pump overboard. Good luck.

 

[BobM]

If it bugs you...

...hook up a whale gusher hand pump and then reduce it down to 1/4 inch line in the bilge with a check valve just above the 1/4. You should be able to get it pretty dry with just a few pumps. Plus, in an emergency you can just pull off the reducer to pump.

 

[RAD]

Sham Wow is how I get the bilge dry
I love these things,They Work!

 

[Manny]

One of the manuals for my Renault diesel shows a diagram of the water pump ran to the bilge with a strainer instead of through a through hull. I definitely wouldn't want to own a boat that would take on enough water in the bilge to be able to constantly supply the engine with cooling water!!!!

Manny

 

[Andy1237]

Its a hassle, but after the bilge pump has pumped all it can-and then backwashed a quart BACK into the bildge, I break out the wet vac. Suck out the bilge, suck out the AC condenser house, and suck out the icebox drain line. That usually keeps it dry until next time.

 

[SeaRanch]

Yes, it was Scott Attwater outboard motors that had a bilge pump pick up that plugged into the motor. My father sold Scott Attwater motors in the 50's and I even have an original "pick up" strainer!

Bill

 

[sailaway78]

More info

First off, my bilge is very flat, and about 10' long, maybe 12" or more before it starts to turn up any. So, it holds a lot of water, even with only 3/4" in there. A shop vac is out of the question, as I am normally out and gone for several weeks at a time. My exhaust has a really high loop, behind the muffler, and the exhaust outlet is approx. 10" above the water line, unless motoring, so the possibility of any siphon or back flow seems remote. Only time it could possibly be below the water line is when the engine is running. The idea of keeping that last bit of water out, is really appealing. Would keep the entire interior dryer, and less humid I think. The idea of pumping a Whale Gusher on a regular basis has merit, but I don't find it very appealing either.

 

[Ken13559]

I remember my Dad used to have a Scott McCarlott OBM. It has a bilge suction tube that is a godsend for small boats. Engine is white/cream coloured and very nicely built.

 

[AlwaysFORSAIL]

Going against the grain seems to be my nature but I gave up on completely dry bilge. It seems to be the natural thing to have a little water down there so I leave it alone.

 

[Ross]

I should think that a little belt driven vacuum cleaner blower could be mounted on the engine with the suction hose in the bilge and the discharge hose over the side.

 

[Ron McCoy]

Try installing a collection box with its own float switch and motor. That should cure the condensation you're getting from the refrigeration, A/C and if large enough will take care of the shower drain. I don't like any hoses draining directly into the bilge - but that's just me. Ensure there's a check valve between the pump and the overboard discharge, as this will prevent water "run back" after the pump turns off. Easy fix and it should cure the systems problem you mentioned. The mast leak is infamous on Hunters and many production boats. Keep at it! Good luck.