I am installing an automatic bilge pump on my C27. It never had one before. I am wondering if I can tie into the existing manual pump hose? I am worried the water will not run through the manual bilge pump. I am trying to eliminate running another hose and another thru hull. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Dave
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Consider that these two systems are redundant backups to each other in a real flooding situation. If one clogs, you don't want it blocking the operation of the other. You definately want to have different hoses into the bilge. The hose from the auto pump to the through-hull must also be separate from the manual system. Whether you can "Y" connect both pump outputs through the same through-hull fitting depends on the flow rates you might expect while operating both pumps simultaneously, the inside diameter of the through-hull fitting, and any back-pressure considerations on either inoperative pump while operating the other. --Ron
You can do it and it works
While it is true that independent redundancy is best, there are also practical considerations: You want a FAT hose – in the case of my 1985 C27, 1.5”. Since the aft end of the bilge is very narrow, there is no practical way to run two hoses of this diameter side by side. Also, clogging may not be your prime concern (since the pump-out would always be through the bilge pump strainer). The real concern is rapid flooding – and a working electrical pump is far more efficient than the hand pump – or failure of the electrical pump, in which case the hand pump would be used. I have both pumps in series – just as you suggest – and it works fine (actually, my boat was rigged that way when I bought her). There was a 1.5” rubber hose installed, probably by the factory, and I noticed that this hose had a tendency to collapse. I replaced it with corrugated plastic pump hose and have no problems since. Good luck, Hans
While it is true that independent redundancy is best, there are also practical considerations: You want a FAT hose – in the case of my 1985 C27, 1.5”. Since the aft end of the bilge is very narrow, there is no practical way to run two hoses of this diameter side by side. Also, clogging may not be your prime concern (since the pump-out would always be through the bilge pump strainer). The real concern is rapid flooding – and a working electrical pump is far more efficient than the hand pump – or failure of the electrical pump, in which case the hand pump would be used. I have both pumps in series – just as you suggest – and it works fine (actually, my boat was rigged that way when I bought her). There was a 1.5” rubber hose installed, probably by the factory, and I noticed that this hose had a tendency to collapse. I replaced it with corrugated plastic pump hose and have no problems since. Good luck, Hans
Catalina Bilge Pumps
Dave Catalina has traditionally piped the two pumps in series. That's why there is only one through hull. I recently purchased a length of hose and a new thru hull fitting to install a separate line from the electric pump to the transom. After checking with some colleagues, they recommended not to do it, no reason to, similar to the last response to your post. No reason not to tie them together. You may want to call David Graas at Catalina Yachts and ask him about it, too. Stu
Dave Catalina has traditionally piped the two pumps in series. That's why there is only one through hull. I recently purchased a length of hose and a new thru hull fitting to install a separate line from the electric pump to the transom. After checking with some colleagues, they recommended not to do it, no reason to, similar to the last response to your post. No reason not to tie them together. You may want to call David Graas at Catalina Yachts and ask him about it, too. Stu
Thank you for your replies. I think I will tie them together. As long as the water will flow through the hand pump I should be ok. If anyone else has any concerns or comments I would appreciate it. Dave 1976 C-27
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