Bilge Pump

[BigDogg11]

Any unique ways to power the bilge pump to run it occasionally in the winter after the batteries have already been removed? I realize in the grand scheme of things it’s not difficult to bring the battery with me and hook it up quickly when I need to run the bilge (old boat, takes on the occasional rain water no matter how many times track down leaks and fix), just curious if anyone did anything outside of using the boat battery to run the bilge.

 

[dlochner]

Leave the battery in the boat. If it is fully charged and there is adequate water it will be fine. If you are visiting the boat, bring an extension cord and plug the charger in while you are there.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Why remove the batteries?

 

[Tally Ho]

No need to remove the batteries if they are maintained and all parasitic loads are off. Last year, I kept mine (2 6-volt GC batteries) on the boat and wired to the panel (and main switch off). I was at the marina pretty often and had access to 110 power so I could run the battery charger when ever I was out there for a few hours.

This year, my boat is parked far from 110 power, and i don’t plan to be out there very often. So this year I just disconnected the negative wire on the battery bank, and will check it once in a while when get a chance to get out to the boat.

If you left the batteries on the boat, you could disconnect the negative wire when away, and hook it up to pump put the bilge when you are out there.


Lastly, if you have any transducers low in the boat, you could remove the transducer and stick a plastic scrubby or something in the hole to keep critters out, but let water out. Only useful if it is located in a good spot. My old boat had a speed log in a place that would drain the the water out of the boat if it got too high.

Greg

 

[jssailem]

If lugging the big battery to the boat is the issue, then try a small 12 volt battery. Your looking for easily managed 12 volt power for a short duration.

Something like this motorcycle battery might serve the need.

12 volts, 3.09 lbs.
Attached is a spec sheet. HomeDepot listed at $18.

 

[Richard19068]

Something like this if you really need a pump.

https://www.amazon.com/SeaSense-Hand-Bilge-Pump-72-Inch/dp/B004RDHU68/ref=asc_df_B004RDHU68/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309782371348&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1918505985884053951&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030970&hvtargid=pla-451316280215&ref=&adgrpid=62797032158&th=1&psc=1

Or just use a turkey baster and a sponge?

 

[JamesG161]

Or just use a turkey baster and a sponge?

Don't forget a small bucket to hold the water or dump down the galley sink.
Jim...

 

[LuckyDuck]

Something like this if you really need a pump.

https://www.amazon.com/SeaSense-Hand-Bilge-Pump-72-Inch/dp/B004RDHU68/ref=asc_df_B004RDHU68/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309782371348&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1918505985884053951&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030970&hvtargid=pla-451316280215&ref=&adgrpid=62797032158&th=1&psc=1

Or just use a turkey baster and a sponge?

On the rare occasion I have any water in there, I use a similar stick pump into a bucket. It’s battery powered and half that price from Harbor Freight. For the last little bit, the baster does the trick.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Try a solar panel. Most solar controllers have terminals for "load". connecting your bilge pump to this will prevent your batteries from getting drained too much. You can use your existing batteries or a small one as jsailem suggested

 

[rgranger]

A trickle charger will keep your batteries topped off.... and they are under $50

For example....

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Renogy-11-42-in-x-18-5-in-x-0-2-in-5-Watt/1001277208

 

[Kingjim91]

Here in Wisconsin, I take the batteries home for the winter. I charge them monthly, more or less.
But I carry one of these in my car. Very versatile. I’ve used it on the boat a few times as a 12V power source.

https://smile.amazon.com/STANLEY-FATMAX-J7CS-Jump-Starter/dp/B00RZXVQSU/ref=sr_1_27?crid=O78KCKUPFSV8&keywords=fatmax&qid=1671802441&sprefix=Fatmax%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-27

 

[thinwater]

Install a small solar power system. No hauling batteries. No portable panels that don't last in the elements. No taking a charger to the boat. 50 W is plenty. You can probably stop plugging in at the dock; one less thing and less risk of electrolytic corrosion. Longer battery life. Easier sailing all around and fewer worries.

The simplest, long-term solution. Just keep it simple. I installed this in a few hours.

Simple Solar