issue 23 bilge pump

[dfrancis23]

So, for the first time since her launch in 77, my 23 will be spending the summer in a wet slip.
Currently no bilge pump is installed, which I'm about to fix with a rule and float switch.
My question is, can I tie into the sink drain thru hull?
I really don't want to add a hole if I don't need to.

 

[Sailvayu]

Short answer, no. Each bilge pump should have its own outlet. I recommend running it aft out the transom so it does not need a vented loop for when heeling.

 

[Swee Pea 1976]

I agree, no...Most small bilge pumps cannot overcome the water pressure below water line and you may pump your bilge into your sink or ice box. Also I had a mud wasp nest in my outlet tube last year! Pump would not pump...
Everyone should make sure that the line is clear!!

 

[Ward H]

I'm curious about the need for a bilge pump in boat with only one thru hull. I can see if it is an in board or if there are many thru hulls as the risk will be higher of a failure. If there is only one thru hull and it is in good condition, isn't there minimal chance of water intrusion?
If the bilge water is coming from rain, wouldn't it be a better investment to fix those leaks? I would think it would take a lot of rain to threaten to sink a boat or even fill a bilge.
Maybe just a small pump with enough hose to throw it in the bilge when needed?
I definitely do not mean this in any negative way and maybe I’m missing something.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I'm curious about the need for a bilge pump in boat with only one thru hull. I can see if it is an in board or if there are many thru hulls as the risk will be higher of a failure. If there is only one thru hull and it is in good condition, isn't there minimal chance of water intrusion?
If the bilge water is coming from rain, wouldn't it be a better investment to fix those leaks? I would think it would take a lot of rain to threaten to sink a boat or even fill a bilge.
Maybe just a small pump with enough hose to throw it in the bilge when needed?
I definitely do not mean this in any negative way and maybe I’m missing something.

There is very little chance of a properly installed and maintained thruhull failure. Even if one did fail, it is usually manageable. Conversely, there is a good chance a broach or boarding wave can fill your boat. Add the chance of a hard grounding or hitting a submerged object and it seems rather dubious to not have a $50 bilge pump. Your family and friends; your choice...

 

[dfrancis23]

Ward,

I was really only putting it in for peace of mind, the boat will likely only be looked at , at the weekends. So I figured it was cheap insurance to put a pump in, and then just cycle the battery every couple of weeks, or each time I sail.
I'd really not given any thought to how water would get in, just that it might I guess

 

[Ward H]

Peace of mind is a darn good reason. I guess I posted because I started with a 17' Newport in 2012 and decided to put it in a slip. I was worried about needing a bilge pump and asked about it here. The responses I got that made sense were that as long as it had a cockpit drain it would take a clogged drain and a lot of rain to do any harm.
If you are checking it once a week I would think you would be OK.
But, as you said, it is for Peace of Mind and that works for me.
Have fun keeping it in slip. We used our 17 much more when we had it in the slip vs ramp launching. We could be sailing within 10 minutes of arriving at the boat.
That 23 is a nice boat. We came close to buying one but happened upon a 25 we couldn't pass up.

Don, Good points I had not thought of. I guess it depends on where you sail. 3-4' wave height is about max I will see on the Barnegat Bay and dfrancis23 is on a lake in PA.
Now, if I decide to do some ocean sailing I will keep it in mind that a bilge pump should be installed for the reasons you mention.

Thanks

 

[dfrancis23]

If I see a 4' wave at Nockamixon, the world has about ended