B331 Washdown Pump

[Ron M]

I'm trying (for a second time) to plan a washdown pump install. Has anyone attempted this is a B331 or similar hull? So far I have identified two challenges. First, Shurflo calls for mounting the pump above the waterline. I can identify only two locations, forward of the V-berth and in the lazarette. Each has its own problems. If mounted forward, then how to access the anchor locker to mount a water outlet. The pump would sit under where the anchor/rode lies and there appears to be no way to route a hose vertically to near deck level in the anchor locker . If mounted in the lazarette, then water outlet would be positioned just aft of the winch. When I need to washdown I would run a hose forward with possible loss of water pressure. Actually, there is a third choice. Mount the pump in the anchor locker and throw a hose over the side for water supply.

 

[Ron20324]

My B323 has a water tank under the vee. There is a hanging locker to port, just inside the vee door. On each side of the tank are two small cubbies that are a waste of storage space, since you can't normally see it. I put a 3/4 thru-hull under the locker, ran the hose thru a filter to a pump in that small port cubby. I've not yet run the output to the hose connection in the anchor locker. It has been sufficient (for as many times as I anchor) to use a hose up thru the hatch. Usually, I can wait till in the slip with dockside water pressure.

 

[Gunni]

If you can plumb your pressure side to any portion of the anchor locker, pick someplace not on the bottom, and install a bulkhead fitting with a hose barb in the pump side, and male hose threads in the locker. Attach your washdown hose to that fitting. I hang my mine from a loop just inside the anchor locker.

 

[arf145]

Previous owner had a washdown pump installed on our 331. The pump is in the anchor locker mounted on the bulkhead. Water intake has its own thruhull just aft of the water tank.

 

[SFS]

And there is a washdown pump on sale at West Marine until 3/20.

 

[Ron M]

Installation in the anchor well was one of my considerations. Can you see where the water supply hose is routed? Seems that most of the space under the windlass (accessible through a panel in the V-berth) is occupied by the windlass or associated wiring.

 

[stevemitchell]

Great idea! I have a 311 which is very similar to the 331 in the forward section. I hadn't considered doing this before, but this seems easy enough!

 

[Ron20324]

While you are in the anchor locker, add a second drain on the opposite side from the first. If the lower one clogs, the second one comes into use. Otherwise, the interior cabin can get flooded.

 

[arf145]

Installation in the anchor well was one of my considerations. Can you see where the water supply hose is routed?

The washdown thruhull is slightly to starboard of center and the supply hose is routed to the starboard side. Beyond that, I don't know--I can check next time I'm there.

 

[arf145]

OK, I checked the washdown thruhull today and I had it wrong. The thruhull is indeed to stbd of the water catchbasin for the speed wheel and depth sounder thruhulls, but the water line goes up and over the access door and is then routed on the port side along the forward water tank and then up to the anchor locker.

 

[Caboteur]

I have a 31 which is a descendant of the 331 and 311. I T'd the ice-box drain between the foot-pump and the thru-hull; the ice-box has a plug so that when the wash-down pump pulls it can't suck air from there. I located the pump just forward of the water-heater beside the main water pump and distribution valves. The tubing is then led forward under the Vee-berth and up to the anchor well where I put a waterproof bulkhead type fitting. The electrical switch is beside the windlass switch in the rear cabin.