Shower Sump Pump - Lovett?

[Taylor]

I have an old Lovett shower sump system. This is a plastic box with a float switch and pump as a unit. It is supposed to have a built in filter, and of course, mine is missing. Plus, mine is pretty tired, won't pump and sounds like its on its last legs. I'm getting ready to replace this, and I was thinking of just getting another one, since I already have the spot worked out for it in the boat. I was wondering if this pump is still considered to be a good one, or if some sort of inline pump that you attach to the drain line (such as the Par-Max, see link below) would be a better solution. Anyone have experience with either of these units?TIA-Taylor

 

[SailingSue]

Whale Gulper

I'm interested in this topic also as I hate my current shower sump pumps. I'm thinking about replacing them with The Whale Gulper pumps. Anyone have any experience with that pump used with a shower or galley sink?

 

[GailForce]

Where To Drain?

A friend claims his Catalina 310 shower drain pumps thru the head intake thru-hull thus eliminating an additional hole in the boat. Is there a downside?Jeff

 

[Bill Roosa]

Yes there is a downside

Using a bilge pump connected to a below the waterline thru-hull is going to require a check valve. You run the risk of the check valve getting shower stuff in it (hair, soap scum....)and allowing raw water to leak into the boat. Not a big deal if you shut the thru-hulls off EVERY time you leave the boat, but you will find that the pump comes on a lot as the shower bilge fills with raw water.I'm certain that this is "highly frowned upon" by the rule making folks.

 

[Taylor]

outlet locations

A bilge pump (or a sump pump) may be connected to a below the water outlet if it has a vented anti-siphon loop above the heeled waterline to prevent backflow. At least that's what I understand from reading Peggie's (and others) book(s). I would not consider doubling up on the head intake for the sump outflow for two reasons: 1) I would not want to have the sump pump pumping into the head rather than overboard, and I would not want to have the head pumping from a partially filled shower sump. I suppose that a careful layout of check values might prevent these things, but for someone trying to 'save' a throughull, they probably did not bother with check valves. Now - what about that Lovett pump? Are they any good?