A Bilge Pump really isn't needed
Doug and Dan: I had planned on installing an electric bilge pump on my C-22 too, when I first got it. I even bought one. I tested it in a bucket and a 12 volt battery, before I installed it, but was really disappointed at how high it could lift the water, and the force at which it discharged it. I also purchased a hand pump that looks like a bicycle tire pump that works fine. I have never had to really use it, but I know it works great from testing it, and using it to drain water out of the dinghy. If everthing is the way it is suppose to be on a C-22, you don't need a bilge pump. My boat had been in the water each summer for almost 20 years, and the only time there is water in the bilge is when there was a rain water leak. I have had several of those over the years, but a rain water leak will only put about an inch of water or maybe 2 in the bilge and that can be sponged up with a sponge and a paper cup. Then once the leak is tracked down and sealed, the bilge will again be dry. I don't recommend an electric bilge pump, and I don't recommend drilling a hole in the stern for the discharge. Get opinions from others before you do it, I'm afraid that you may be doing more harm than good. Aldo
