Bilge pump recommendations, 22' Cal.

[Alan]

Last part of my refurb., I hope. I'm thinking of leaving my 22 in a berth this summer and in order to avoid any small water seepage which most swing keels may have, I hoped someone could offer recommendations as to the size and type of a bilge pump. The dock has electric accomodations for short or long term berthing so that's not an issue.

 

[Bayard Gross]

C-22's should not need bilge pumps

You are applying the wrong effort to your leakage problems.Quite simply, if something is leaking on a C-22, it needs to be repaired at the source, as opposed to installing a device that a C-22 should not require.Regarding the lock down bolt, usually just some heavy marine grade grease on the threads will prevent water seepage there. Other than that, you have leaks from deck attachments, windows, and hatches all which require either rebedding with a good marine grade silicone or some gasket needs to be replaced.Further, if you just take a look at the way a Catalina 22 is constructed, you will find there is no real bilge, just many separate compartments attached to the hull all of which would then require their own bilge pump.So then not only is it a matter of what bilge pump but how many.So, skip putting in a bilge pump, keep a regular watch on your boat, and be relentless about correcting leaks.

 

[Dan]

Sponge and a bucket

do just fine.

 

[Alan]

Okay, no bilge just sponge, bucket, and eyeballs

Thanks for the info folks, I'll forget about the bilge pump. You know, it's a good thing to have all you seasoned veterans out there to advise us once awhile. I'll apply the grease to the lock down bolt & see if that's the final cause of the only leak. The only other thing I can think of is the area at the pivot pin on the swing keel. I hope I don't have to upgrade that at least until this winter. Thanks again.