It recently occurred to me that my everyday bilge pump would not work in an emergency flooding situation. The wiring is not waterproof. The pump is typically only partially submerged with the wiring kept high so that it never gets wet. If I get a major leak that submerges the wiring it will short and shut off. I don't know why I never thought of this before. So, what is the solution? Can it be wired in a way that is waterproof so the pump will operate while completely submerged? Has anyone out there addressed this issue?
Bilge Pump useless in Emergency
- Thread starter markwbird
- Start date
This may or may not be pertinent, but I built an electric powered radio control plane. I think it is around 6 volts supply. Many of the hobby forums recommended wiring the electric motor to batteries and submerging it entirely in water and running for an hour or two - evidently to clean/polish the brushes. Seemed very counter-intuitive to me, but I did it and it worked fine. So despite the fact you can get electrocuted by water conduction, it evidently isn't that conductive, at least at lower direct current volatges. Experts should chime in, but I suspect your pump would work fine even if its leads were submerged (assuming the battery stayed dry, of course).
Mark,
Just so you know, an emergency bilge pump SHOULD NOT rely on your electrical system. By definition, an emergency pump should not fail if all else does.
For an emergency pump, you will need a tap-in from your discharge line.
It's best to install a Gusher style pump in YOUR cockpit so, you can
steer the boat if your power goes out, yet keep the boat afloat.
You can always steer & pump at the same time. Having this option,
it can also help in doing an emergency fix to stem incoming water.
Remember the adage, "The Prudent Navigator shall not rely on only one form of............."
You always need a manual backup man that does NOT RELY on DC/AC power.
For if these fail, what are your next options then?
CR
Just so you know, an emergency bilge pump SHOULD NOT rely on your electrical system. By definition, an emergency pump should not fail if all else does.
For an emergency pump, you will need a tap-in from your discharge line.
It's best to install a Gusher style pump in YOUR cockpit so, you can
steer the boat if your power goes out, yet keep the boat afloat.
You can always steer & pump at the same time. Having this option,
it can also help in doing an emergency fix to stem incoming water.
Remember the adage, "The Prudent Navigator shall not rely on only one form of............."
You always need a manual backup man that does NOT RELY on DC/AC power.
For if these fail, what are your next options then?
CR
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Yes. I understand that the everyday bilge pump is not an emergency pump BUT it seems like a good idea to have it working in addition to whatever emergency pump you have since it's already there anyway. Also in case some thing happens while the boat is in slip like a leaking thru hull. Every little bit helps.
Mark, you should have a factory installed manual bilge pump that you operate from the cockpit. CR is correct. If your batteries should get flooded and short out, you are up sh*t's creek. All power will be lost. That is why we still carry paper charts.
If your bilge is that flooded to start with it meant your pump was not keeping up with the leak anyway. FWIW, I disconnected the battery on my boat in the backyard over the Winter. Due to a leak in the cockpit drain, my bilge was plumb full and the pump totally submerged. It pumped out just fine. The wires going into the pump and float switch are water tight. Any splicing I did was done with waterproof heat shrink butt connectors and well above the waterline.
This should not be an issue if installed correctly. Read up on how to install a bilge pump.
Well perhaps.
I have replaced my Bilge electrical connectors with these. I hope I never have to test them, but the design I like and use a heat gun to attach them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KU0V58...=UTF8&colid=F4YB2UW81A1O&coliid=I3XO8C4ISKFYG
FWIW...
My Bilge pump size will maintain my boat afloat on one broken through hull line for enough time for the crew to repair or reduce the leak. My Gusher pump and cloth bailing bucket is back up, for some other major leaks give additional repair time. Also my shower sump pumps will help too.
Jim...
Think of an powered bulge pump as an electric sponge. It is primarily there for conveniently getting rid of nuisance water.
For emergency de-watering it might help, but that is the job of a serious manual pump usable in the cockpit by a VERY motivated sailor.
For emergency de-watering it might help, but that is the job of a serious manual pump usable in the cockpit by a VERY motivated sailor.
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Also close and disconnect your engine water intake. Let that help suck-and-spit if you are working to keep up.
I started think (dangerous for me). What if I lost a full 2" through hull and not just a 3/4" hose?
Brainstorm or slight drizzle...
1) You need dedicated emergency power and charger. (300Ahr deep cycle with solar maintenance charger)
2) Power and breaker should be at least 1 foot higher than Bilge.
3) High capacity submersible pump ≈20GPM.
4) A dedicated discharge above water line of at least around 3/4 inch in diameter.
5) A ready repair kit (tools and flow restrictors) to plug hole. ( I have one and wooden pegs)
6) Be onboard.
Here is a 12VDC possible pump that would run for ≈ 1 hour on the 300 Ahr battery.
https://www.amazon.com/BACOENG-Ranc...id=1468428003&sr=1-5&keywords=12vdc+pumps#Ask
Jim...
Brainstorm or slight drizzle...
1) You need dedicated emergency power and charger. (300Ahr deep cycle with solar maintenance charger)
2) Power and breaker should be at least 1 foot higher than Bilge.
3) High capacity submersible pump ≈20GPM.
4) A dedicated discharge above water line of at least around 3/4 inch in diameter.
5) A ready repair kit (tools and flow restrictors) to plug hole. ( I have one and wooden pegs)
6) Be onboard.
Here is a 12VDC possible pump that would run for ≈ 1 hour on the 300 Ahr battery.
https://www.amazon.com/BACOENG-Ranc...id=1468428003&sr=1-5&keywords=12vdc+pumps#Ask
Jim...
fwiw, I had a 20' skiff, where the battery was under the deck. boat filled with water over the battery, (we were running a live bait well, and were fighting a fish), and the bilge pump continued to work. I probably had liquid tape around the bilge connectors. so a battery will work under salt water.
Also, on many boats, there is the std bilge pump, and a about a food higher a big pump, with an alarm (high water pump). The high water pump would be wired to the house bank, to use all the power available if needed.
Also, on many boats, there is the std bilge pump, and a about a food higher a big pump, with an alarm (high water pump). The high water pump would be wired to the house bank, to use all the power available if needed.
I have to agree with Jackdaw.
Elec. power only works when there "IS" power.
It doesn't matter how & what connections you make, if you have NO POWER,
your pump is useless. So if power fails, Do you have an option #2?
Folks are under the misconception that hey, "I have power, so what can go wrong."
Namely, EVERYTHING CAN!
Take note of the Bounty, they also lost power & look how that turned out.
IF I REMEMBER, TWO PEOPLE DIED NEEDLESSLY.
Some should maybe read my orig. post again.
Safety is paramount, what then do you have as backup?
If you are not prepared, Mother Nature will find your
weakness at the WORST possible condition.
CR
Elec. power only works when there "IS" power.
It doesn't matter how & what connections you make, if you have NO POWER,
your pump is useless. So if power fails, Do you have an option #2?
Folks are under the misconception that hey, "I have power, so what can go wrong."
Namely, EVERYTHING CAN!
Take note of the Bounty, they also lost power & look how that turned out.
IF I REMEMBER, TWO PEOPLE DIED NEEDLESSLY.
Some should maybe read my orig. post again.
Safety is paramount, what then do you have as backup?
If you are not prepared, Mother Nature will find your
weakness at the WORST possible condition.
CR
I am on a roll, look out (4 cups of coffee)!
Collapsible Discharge hose and no thru hull!
http://www.poolsuppliessuperstore.com/poolsupplies/1-1-2-Discharge-Hose-1.html
Manual pump with vacuum resistant suction hose and no battery.
https://www.amazon.com/Guzzler-diap..._SR145,160_&psc=1&refRID=MHQDV5FT3XCVPTR6YS6S
Enough of me stealing the thread.
Jim...
Collapsible Discharge hose and no thru hull!
http://www.poolsuppliessuperstore.com/poolsupplies/1-1-2-Discharge-Hose-1.html
Manual pump with vacuum resistant suction hose and no battery.
https://www.amazon.com/Guzzler-diap..._SR145,160_&psc=1&refRID=MHQDV5FT3XCVPTR6YS6S
Enough of me stealing the thread.
Jim...
i have one mounted in the cockpit combing permanent and down below in the emergency gear and spare parts locker and a manual overboard discharge for the holding tank that can be used a a backup bilge pump for a total of three all of them guzzler and less than a year in service since new