AUTOMATIC BILGE PUMP (RULE 1100)

[Bruce Cutcliffe]

Does anyone know why it might be more appropriate to run discharge hose from bilge pump (Rule Mate 1100)out thru-hull fitting just above boot top on transom as opposed to using half that length of hose and placing discharge and thru-hull on either side of hull; again just above boot-top? Does anyone believe thru-hull should be placed higher than boot top? What about following sea if discharged at transom? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Bruce C.

 

[Chris Pike]

Transom is better

Someone a little more expert might want to chime in here, but the problem I see with putting the thru-hull fitting for the bilge pump on the sides is that it can be submerged when heeling. My O'day 23 actually has the thru hull for the bilge pump installed just below the rails on the starboard side. This would be a real problem in the event of a knockdown. To counter this there is a seacock installed, which I have to close when sailing. This is not the best idea, since it means if I were to need pump out while sailing I would have to use the manual pump. At the transom, you can install a vented loop on the discharge line to prevent siphoning water back into the boat.

 

[oday 20 carver]

Sink Drain

On my 25, I needed to replace the old bilge pump. It was plumbed into the forward sink drain, but as the boat was new to me I didn't know how the plumbing would react. After every sail, there would be an inch or two in the bilge. I put a brass check valve in line and it compltetely eliminated the problem of water getting in when heeled over. As I've read, the shorter the distance between the pump and thru hull, the better.

 

[Chris Pike]

check valve

According to the FAQ on the Rule website a check valve should not be installed on the discharge line as this can cause an "airlocked condition".