I need some advice. I own a 1992 Hunter 33.5 and would like to install a maunal bilge pump as a backup to the electric pump. Has anyone installed a pump convenient to the cockpit, and what route was taken to connect the hose from bilge to the pump? My last Hunter (a 37.5) had a manual pump in the aft locker, with the pump handle located just under the helmsman's seat - real convenient, just in case! Here's another question. My boat has a steel keel. Have any other hunter owners experienced rusting on a steel keel, and what products-method should be used to correct the problem. All of my other sailboats have had lead keels, so I am a neophyte when dealing with steel keels.
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You went from a 37.5 to a 33.5? I've never heard of a sailor buying a smaller boat! My '88 33.5 has a manual bilge pump but it is located in the starboard cabin settee. The only rust I have on my keel is at the very bottom under the wing where I can't reach it to paint it, So I just run aground a lot to keep the rust and the zebra mussels off
You went from a 37.5 to a 33.5? I've never heard of a sailor buying a smaller boat! My '88 33.5 has a manual bilge pump but it is located in the starboard cabin settee. The only rust I have on my keel is at the very bottom under the wing where I can't reach it to paint it, So I just run aground a lot to keep the rust and the zebra mussels off
Big Job for a Manual Pump
I have a 1992 33.5 and also wanted to install a manual bilge pump just in case of an emergency. Ended up speaking with Hunter and the solution that they offered was a huge amount of work. In summary the longditudinal stiffeners in the hull(the sides of the bilge when you remove the floorboards) are hollow and contain 3" or 4" diameter plastic (PVC)tubing. You would need to drill a large hole in the wall of the stiffener, drill a matching hole in the tube ...being careful not to damage any of the other wiring / plumbing that runs in the tube. Fish a line to the area underneath the the aft berth. Pull the hose through. Drill a hole on the aft bulkhead that will lead you into the wet lockers, or into the aft cockpit locker ...hopefully the one without the fuel tank! Then you could install the pump in the locker, and route the discharge hose through the hull or through the swim ladder area leaving of course enough of a loop to prevent back siphoning. I decided that it represented far too many holes in areas that I did not want holes. I opted to install a shower sump pump (Whale 220 Gulper) and included a Y valve in the installation, to be able to convert it quickly to a bilge pump with the twist of a handle, to backup the main one. Only problem is that both are dependant on electricity. Life is full of compromises! best of luck with your choice. Merrill S/V Ambition
I have a 1992 33.5 and also wanted to install a manual bilge pump just in case of an emergency. Ended up speaking with Hunter and the solution that they offered was a huge amount of work. In summary the longditudinal stiffeners in the hull(the sides of the bilge when you remove the floorboards) are hollow and contain 3" or 4" diameter plastic (PVC)tubing. You would need to drill a large hole in the wall of the stiffener, drill a matching hole in the tube ...being careful not to damage any of the other wiring / plumbing that runs in the tube. Fish a line to the area underneath the the aft berth. Pull the hose through. Drill a hole on the aft bulkhead that will lead you into the wet lockers, or into the aft cockpit locker ...hopefully the one without the fuel tank! Then you could install the pump in the locker, and route the discharge hose through the hull or through the swim ladder area leaving of course enough of a loop to prevent back siphoning. I decided that it represented far too many holes in areas that I did not want holes. I opted to install a shower sump pump (Whale 220 Gulper) and included a Y valve in the installation, to be able to convert it quickly to a bilge pump with the twist of a handle, to backup the main one. Only problem is that both are dependant on electricity. Life is full of compromises! best of luck with your choice. Merrill S/V Ambition
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