I'm looking for advice on the best way to mount and position the bilge pump and bilge pump switch in my 1982 Hunter 27. As you may know, it's kind of a shallow, flat bilge. Right now we just have a standard Rule pump and switch. We're getting a little backflow as well when the pump stops. Is this normal, or is there a way to prevent the backflow?
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Bill O'Donovan
Alternative
I'd recommend trying to find the source of the water, whether it's rainwater or seawater. If the latter, is it from the packing gland or a tiny leak at a through-hull. If it's rainwater, is it coming down the interior sides? By addressing these, you may minimize the need for a new bilge pump. Dry is better, safer, smells better. But it isn't always possible, because invariably boats leak. Murphy's Law.
I'd recommend trying to find the source of the water, whether it's rainwater or seawater. If the latter, is it from the packing gland or a tiny leak at a through-hull. If it's rainwater, is it coming down the interior sides? By addressing these, you may minimize the need for a new bilge pump. Dry is better, safer, smells better. But it isn't always possible, because invariably boats leak. Murphy's Law.
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Jon Bastien / H25 'Adagio'
A little backflow is normal...
Your bilge pump is most likely a centrifugal unit. As such, any water left in the discharge hose after the pump is turned off will just run past the impeller on its way back through the pump. It shouldn't be much water, but this is dependent on how long the discharge hose is. On my boat, it's about 2 cups' worth. --Jon
Your bilge pump is most likely a centrifugal unit. As such, any water left in the discharge hose after the pump is turned off will just run past the impeller on its way back through the pump. It shouldn't be much water, but this is dependent on how long the discharge hose is. On my boat, it's about 2 cups' worth. --Jon
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Aldo Lozano
Agreed with Jon...
In my 27/83 the part of the hose after the impeller will back flow in the bilge and, in some circunstances, depending of heeling let water in. The bilge on the 27's can be make dry and used to collect dust only. (Yes...Can be done...)In my case, I test the pump (is a toy) every other day just to be sure AND also I have a paralel system with a REAL pump able to suck Mobby Dick through it. This pump discharge have a check valve. Both pumps, by the way, get the power from a gel battery located higher than the house and engine bateries. Aldo S/V Isabel alozano@monmouth.com
In my 27/83 the part of the hose after the impeller will back flow in the bilge and, in some circunstances, depending of heeling let water in. The bilge on the 27's can be make dry and used to collect dust only. (Yes...Can be done...)In my case, I test the pump (is a toy) every other day just to be sure AND also I have a paralel system with a REAL pump able to suck Mobby Dick through it. This pump discharge have a check valve. Both pumps, by the way, get the power from a gel battery located higher than the house and engine bateries. Aldo S/V Isabel alozano@monmouth.com
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Chuck Fort
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Aldo Lozano
Chuck, with a lot of...
...patience, luck and common sense... The seal for the prop, of course, is the main culprit, or at least was in my case. Mo more. The others water inputs come from the deck and ports, and I did track them, one by one, with a hose, mirrow, a powerful light and sealants. Took a while. When I though I had it done, next torrential rain proved me wrong. It's a never ending battle, but a rewarding victory now every time I board she and lifting the soles I see nothing but the usual dust... Also, make for a very pleasant enviroment to have a boat without the damp odor tipical of the ones have water sloshing continually in the bilge. Is my particular opinion (underlined my) a plastic boat shouldn't leak... If you are interested in the details, just let me know here or at "alozano@monmouth.com" Aldo S/V Isabel
...patience, luck and common sense... The seal for the prop, of course, is the main culprit, or at least was in my case. Mo more. The others water inputs come from the deck and ports, and I did track them, one by one, with a hose, mirrow, a powerful light and sealants. Took a while. When I though I had it done, next torrential rain proved me wrong. It's a never ending battle, but a rewarding victory now every time I board she and lifting the soles I see nothing but the usual dust... Also, make for a very pleasant enviroment to have a boat without the damp odor tipical of the ones have water sloshing continually in the bilge. Is my particular opinion (underlined my) a plastic boat shouldn't leak... If you are interested in the details, just let me know here or at "alozano@monmouth.com" Aldo S/V Isabel
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Jay Kent
We Get A Little Water, But We Maintain Dry....
About two years ago, I bought the smallest wet/dry shop vac that I could find (about $35, I think). We use it to remove any final trace of water that the bilge pump won't get. After running the pump and getting almost all the water, we wait a few minutes for the "back flow" to occur and then we use the handy shop vac. We have no standing water for long periods of time and have eliminated odors. I can, honestly, say that we don't have it dry long enough to collect dust like someone else stated. I had thought that replacing the bilge pump and/or float was the answer, but that was not the case.
About two years ago, I bought the smallest wet/dry shop vac that I could find (about $35, I think). We use it to remove any final trace of water that the bilge pump won't get. After running the pump and getting almost all the water, we wait a few minutes for the "back flow" to occur and then we use the handy shop vac. We have no standing water for long periods of time and have eliminated odors. I can, honestly, say that we don't have it dry long enough to collect dust like someone else stated. I had thought that replacing the bilge pump and/or float was the answer, but that was not the case.
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Harry Asbury
Where is the discharge outlet?
Two months ago I had my boat "Dolly Phynne" (Dolly Fin) pulled and all thru-hull fittings, stuffing box and shaft log replaced. Now I have a dry boat. But my question is where is the out let point on other '27 hunters? Mine is up on the starboard quarter berth just under the toe rail. My pump can't pump water that high when the boat is level. I found this out when I started taking on water and the pump wasn't getting it out. I pulled the hose off the thru-hull fitting, pulled the head sink hose off the sink and ran the water pump hose to the sink outlet. I know you can't sail that way but at the time I had no choice. Where are the other bilge outlets or what kind of pumps do you have that will pump water high enough to get it out of the boat on a port tack?
Two months ago I had my boat "Dolly Phynne" (Dolly Fin) pulled and all thru-hull fittings, stuffing box and shaft log replaced. Now I have a dry boat. But my question is where is the out let point on other '27 hunters? Mine is up on the starboard quarter berth just under the toe rail. My pump can't pump water that high when the boat is level. I found this out when I started taking on water and the pump wasn't getting it out. I pulled the hose off the thru-hull fitting, pulled the head sink hose off the sink and ran the water pump hose to the sink outlet. I know you can't sail that way but at the time I had no choice. Where are the other bilge outlets or what kind of pumps do you have that will pump water high enough to get it out of the boat on a port tack?
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Lee Henderson
Hunter 27
I agree with Jon! I have a little back flow as well. I have adjusted my gland nut to drip correctly while under power. It will drip for several days after shut down but if it sits for a while it will stop. Over time, a quick wipe with a rag will take care of packing drips or water from ice storage. If I'm not on the boat for a while she will be dry. Lee Henderson S/V El Sueno
I agree with Jon! I have a little back flow as well. I have adjusted my gland nut to drip correctly while under power. It will drip for several days after shut down but if it sits for a while it will stop. Over time, a quick wipe with a rag will take care of packing drips or water from ice storage. If I'm not on the boat for a while she will be dry. Lee Henderson S/V El Sueno
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