Dry(er) bilge.

[Frank Arndorfer]

I have a 2003 Hunter 426DS. It seems to be a dry boat. The only water that seems to accumilate in the bilge is from the a/c units. My question is...is there a way to remove the 1/2" of residual water that's always in the bilge.??? It appears to me this water is what remains after the pump stops running and the water in the discharge line flows back into the bilge. Seems a simple check valve would do the job. Any problems with installing something like this in a boat's bilge system.????Also, I've heard/read about a "condensator-type" system that allows you use the a/c supply/discharge system to draw additional water out of the bilge. Can anyone explain how these systems work.?? Are they available commercially or do you build it yourself.???

 

[Gord May]

Please don't

install a check valve in your bilge pump discharge line.It's a very poor trade-off of some very minor convenience (dryer bilge,) against the possibilty of major safety issues, should it fail.Regards,Gord May

 

[Bill]

Please elaborate...

Gord, I'd like to hear the rest of the story. What are the safety issues? Thanks.

 

[Frank Arndorfer]

Yes, I would too.

Yes, please elaborate.

 

[richard]

prior discussion of check valves

try this link to a prior discussion of check valves.

 

[Dave]

Source

Here's a source. Have not yet tried. Would be interested in those who have experienced.

 

[Don Berger]

A $150 or $15 choice; you decide

To reiterate a previous post, you can get the equivalent of this $150 venturi at any waterbed store for less than $15 and put a check valve on it if you prefer that over a manual ball valve to prevent the possibility of back-flow. I'm amazed someone actually makes money selling these and apparently received a patent on the principle.Don

 

[Gord May]

Check Valves

See the aforementioned thread - and note, not everyone agrees /w me.Check valves should NOT be placed in any position where their failure could have dire consequences (greater than their potential benefit). This includes Bilge Pump discharges.Check Valves are very unreliable - they often fail, and are often not even perfectly effective when working (Note: others disagree)Check Valves increase the back pressure (static head) on the B.P. discharge, reducing the system’s efficiency.OMOGord May