I was checking the bilge pump sys on my B46 (because some of it was not working) and noticed all of the plumbing goes through one distribution panel and then to a manual bilge pump in series. The downside is that if anything in that sys. fails such as the distribution panel or the manual pump then nothing works. I checked this a little further and heard that Beneteau in an effort to reduce thru-hulls came up with this sys. on its newer boats such as 46-49. Has anyone else encountered this. My solution will probably be to create separate thru hulls for each pump, including the manual - but again -thoughts?
bilge pumps
- Thread starter John Holden
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I have a B43 and it likely has the same type system although I haven't traced it all the way to the thru hull. Even with a manifold and manual pump in the system the only thing I can think of that would cause a problem would be a hose or fitting with a serious leak. Not sure what concerns you have as far as the system is concerned.
Hi Mike
First if the manifold goes out then all bilge pumping ceases even the manual one, because it also goes through the manifold. Or as an example if the manual pump breaks, clogs etc. because the manual pump appears to be in series as opposed to parallel then again all bilge pumping ceases.
First if the manifold goes out then all bilge pumping ceases even the manual one, because it also goes through the manifold. Or as an example if the manual pump breaks, clogs etc. because the manual pump appears to be in series as opposed to parallel then again all bilge pumping ceases.
John
On my 43, the manual bilge suction and discharge hose is independent of the auto system. There is no distribution manifold, so is this a recent change? The only common discharge line is from both shower sumps to the through-hull on the aft, starboard side.
Thanks for reminding me to check the auto system. With a dry bilge, it's one of those items that I have to check on occassion to ensure it does work before I need it!
Mac
On my 43, the manual bilge suction and discharge hose is independent of the auto system. There is no distribution manifold, so is this a recent change? The only common discharge line is from both shower sumps to the through-hull on the aft, starboard side.
Thanks for reminding me to check the auto system. With a dry bilge, it's one of those items that I have to check on occassion to ensure it does work before I need it!
Mac
John, I would think there is little risk that the manifold would give out. It may just be the strongest part of the entire system as I don't believe it has any moving parts to fail. As for the manual pump it's actually in the cockpit. It's what the pump handle is attached to. If it fails of course it wont pump but I dont see how it would impact any other portion of the system. Perhaps a discussion with your dealers service manager might put the question to rest? Good luck with it.
Mike
Mike
Hi Mac & Mike
When I spoke to a dealer about the system, he mentioned that this change of going through a distribution panel and then out was a cost reduction at Beneteau to reduce the amount of thru hulls and therefore the separate bilge pump systems. Mike the issue for me is that the manual bilge pump is in series with the pump lines. As a result all of the water, etc being pumped out the boat goes through the manual system. If for some reason the manual pump, clogs, or etc. then the entire system breaks down. The manual bilge pump should be in parallel to the system not series.
Regards
John
When I spoke to a dealer about the system, he mentioned that this change of going through a distribution panel and then out was a cost reduction at Beneteau to reduce the amount of thru hulls and therefore the separate bilge pump systems. Mike the issue for me is that the manual bilge pump is in series with the pump lines. As a result all of the water, etc being pumped out the boat goes through the manual system. If for some reason the manual pump, clogs, or etc. then the entire system breaks down. The manual bilge pump should be in parallel to the system not series.
Regards
John
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