Should I recess my bilge pump?

[OS2Dude]

Our 1985 Catalina 30 mk I SR Fin Keel has a large bilge pump with a float switch that leaves about 2 inches of water in the bilge. In order to get a drier bilge I bought a small 500 GPH RULE automatic bilge pump to get the last little bit out. I don't want my stainless keel bolts sitting in standing water as well as the dampness it causes.

The water comes from a few windows that leak (Still working on that one...), the companionway hatch boards that don't stop a driving rain, the shower drain, ice box drain and the A/C condensate.

After viewing this webpage, I'm thinking the bilge floor is thick enough to drill a small 'sump pit' about 2.5 inches across and .75 inches deep for the new pump. (Drill, paint with epoxy, mount pump) This would let me check the condition of the 30+ year old bilge floor and make a spot for the water to pool in one place. Does anyone know how thick the bilge floor is until I reach the outer skin? Is this a good idea, or will I regret it as soon as I drill a bit down?

 

[centerline]

Not a good idea... you would regret it. The glass is thick in that area for a reason....
When you get around to fixing the problem, the symptom will go away...

 

[hvbaker]

On mine water comes in because drain in quadrant compartment gets clogged and water sacks up and overflows into bilge. I put a small secondary pump in the bilge to try to remove the last bit of water. It didn't work, back flow of water in the hose leaks back. Check valve inline allow back flow at a slower rate but in the end still a wet bilge. I gave up and decided to live with about 1/2 inch water in the bilge. Good luck to you. I definitely would not remove glass from the hull to make a sump.

 

[Benny17441]

Put all the effort in correcting the leaks and the bilge modifications may not be necessary.

 

[seadaddler]

I use a small shop vac to get get that last bit of water when I can,but drilling into the floor,
one idea I have but have not done is I was thinking of adding a shower sump box for the AC
which is really the only water I get and no leaks and here in Florida the AC runs a lot but think they are trouble and just been using my shop vac I keep in my dock box and use for cleaning also.
Nick

 

[markwbird]

The bilge pumps will not get all of the water because no matter what they do some of the water will flow backwards in the hose once it shuts off. You can add a back flow preventer but that is not 100% and it reduces the pump's flow rate by as much as 50% which could be an issue if you ever find yourself seriously taking on water.