the somewhat heated exchange with Ed and others regarding check valves in the bilge line?...it still resides in the archives. The original problem with the bilge pump set-up was that the 24' of hose to the stern from the pump would fill up and then back flow when the pump shut off and cause the float/pump to cycle on and off without ever vacating all the water...hense, the need for the check valve. Here is the update. I thought that I could have it both ways--one with check and one without. I finally got the 1100 gph Rule plumbed in as a secondary 'higher level' back-up unit for the big leak, (less check valve). I left the smaller 500 gph as a first line defense at the lower level with a new spring loaded check valve to vacate the nominal rain water intrusion from the mast. (I've also replaced the crusty old Gusher manual in the cockpit and certainly hope that I have it covered by now.) The problem is that the Rule 500 hasn't enough 'umph' to overcome the checkvalve...and so I was summoned to the boat when others heard the new alarm sounding only to find about 2-gallons tripping the float switch and the pump cycling periodically against the check valve....and moving no water. Any suggestions on a dependable/inexpensive pump to remove that nominal amount of water and overpower the checkvalve and less than 5' of head? Diaphram pump? or what? PS... Gord, when are you able to sail up there?? When the wind blows the ice flow out for a while?