Fresh water and inverter??

[Gordon Dalgleish]

Just bought the boat but have two (others of less importance) problems, my fresh water pump does not cut off, I'm guessing this means that there is a leak somewhere or was the pump designed to run continuosly when switched on. The other is I cannot find what is charging my batteries while at dock with shore power. Did this boat come with an inverter or batt. charger?

 

[Marc Honey]

Water & Power

Gordon, my 87 28.5's fresh water pump didn't work at all when I bought the boat. Easy enough to replace... should NOT run all the time.I wouldn't fill the holding tank all the way till I found out if/where it is leaking! My 28.5 had a factory (dealer?) installed battery charger.It was a Newmar RM-8 two bank located under starboard seat in cockpit where one battery was located...2nd battery is under sink in galley. Replaced Newmar with "smart" charger from Stat Power from West Marine after Newmar gave out.Installed smart charger in storeage locker in head area...bulkhead between head and lazerette.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Water pressure.

The pump is most likely not shutting off because it lost it's prime. This happens if the line between the tank and the pump goes lower than the pump at some point.On my boat I disconnect the waterline between the pump and the tank(s). The most convenient place for me is in the bilge at a valve. Then I hold that end of the line up and pour in as much water as it will take(toward the pump). With my thumb over the line I quickly place it back on the pipe and clamp. Now when I turn on the pump with the faucets closed it quickly builds pressure and shuts off. This assumes that your water tank is not empty. This works even when the hot water tank is empty.

 

[Michael Cohn]

Pressure Switch

You will probably want to check the pressure switch in that pump - they are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace. It's either that, or you have a leak somewhere, although it seems to me that you would notice a lot of water in the bilge if you did.I've replaced the pressure switch on my pump twice now. It cost about 30 bucks, and took 5 minutes. You cannot buy a new pump for 30 dollars.These pumps are not designed to run continuously. If you don't have one already, I would also suggest that you purchase and install an accumulator tank - the bigger the better. This will save a lot of wear and tear on your nerves and your pump. The accumulator tank will fill with water when the pump is on, and then when you use a fixture it will discharge the water without the pump coming back on until the accumulator tank is nearly empty - it uses an air pressurized bladder to accomplish this. I have a 5 gallon one, and I can usually shower completely if I'm careful without the water pump coming on.Hope this helps.MC

 

[Stephen Ostrander]

no charge

The 28.5 did not come with a charger or inverter, unless it was installed as a factory option. This doesn't mean that the previous owner didn't add one. Look at the main battery terminals or at the battery switch, if there is a charger (or invereter) it would have to be wired in at one of those two locations. The single battery was originally located under the galley sink but most 28.5 owners have relocated and added a second battery, usually in the stb. lazarette.