High Capacity Bilge Pump

[jim wolfgram]

Hi Everyone - I'm going to post this on the sailnet list as well, but a quick question. We are going to start using our boat for more overnight sails outside the golden gate. We currently only have the little jabsco diaphram bilge pump, clearly not enough for future use.What have people been installing in 320's (deep bilge version), and where to increase capacity.Thanks much for the responses.regards,

 

[Lauraine3557]

Higher capacity = $$$$

Hi Jim, We've been checking out the same issue. Mostly what we've found is there are bilge pumps that cost two digits which are mostly junk and then there are bilge pumps which cost three digits that are considerably better. If you want a good pump, plan on spending a couple of boat bucks to get one and ignore the prominently advertised junk. Whale is an excellent make (U.K) if you can find a distributor. Good luck!

 

[RonD]

Research

A while ago Practical Sailor did a review of bilge pumps. In it they discussed the practical reality of just how much water can be effectively pumped vs how much can be coming into your boat. You might look into their archives for that article.And, get one or two buckets -- The old saying is: "Nobody can move water faster than a well-motivated mariner with a bucket"