Bilge pump install location

[GreggS]

The lowest point in the bilge has centerboard housing separating the right and left sides. What’s the best practice for locating a pump (doesn’t have one now. Never did). Is it good to put one on each side to drain the most water possible?

Thanks!

 

[Tally Ho]

If it were me, I would put one in either side (no preference that I can see). My thinking is that if the water gets more than a few inches deep, it is going to spill over to the other side and can be pumped out. Also, if sailing, your heel will move water from one side to the other.

A bilge pump won’t get all of the water out anyway, so if you want it dry, you will need to suck it out with a shop vac or sponge it dry.

I don’t see any reason to go to the expense and hassle to install 2 pumps in that little space.

A high and low pump arrangement could be useful (a larger high-capacity pump mounted higher than your regular pump), but again, not practical on a 25-foot boat.

Greg

 

[GreggS]

Thanks, Tally

I guess that sounds like a good idea. I'm just trying to do my best to keep odors and mildew out as best I can. But hopefully, once I seal the deck fittings over the winter, it won't be so much of an issue. I probably will install a second, higher capacity pump a bit higher up, just for safety. Lots of shoals around here. Appreciate the response

Gregg

 

[Tally Ho]

I find that my Rule pump leaves a fair amount of water in my bilge. Mostly after the pump shut off and the water in the hose flows back into the bilge. My water generally comes from deck leaks I suspect, as in middle summer, no rain and a dusty dry bilge. But in rainy season, I get water in the bilge…still tracking down leaky deck hardware.

So, if I really want the bilge dry, I will suck I dry with a shop vac.

Greg

 

[Project_Mayhem]

At the aft end, is the lowest section of the bilge. You can get a small pump in there or a 500-750 in the rest of the bilge. If using multiple pumps you'll need a couple of check valves