Washdown and fresh water pump

[Tim22]

I would like to install a fresh water anchor washdown on my Hunter 310 by tapping in to the boats fresh water system. Our normal sailing habit is mostly day sailing and anchoring for lunch or dinner and returning to the dock after. As such we do not use a lot of fresh water and a couple of times each summer I end up draining and refilling the water tank to keep it fresh. Because of this I think we carry sufficient fresh water to supply the washdown. If this doesn’t work out I can always install a thru hull later.

I ran the plumbing earlier this summer and found that my current freshwater pump (shurFlo 3901-0216 3gpm) does not provide enough pressure for the washdown. My question, therefore, is there a single pump that would provide both the necessary washdown pressure and also be suitable to run our fresh water system. All the plumbing is new 1/2 inch pex.

Thanks for your suggestions
Tim

 

[tfox2069]

A lot of washdown pumps are 3gpm, so I'm wondering whether its the distance from your pump to the washdown point that is the problem. For example, I'd not expect my 3gpm freshwater pump under my galley sink to pump freshwater all the way forward to my washdown hose. So the solution is to put the pump close to the washdown hose - or install a higher GPM pump to replace your current one, which I think is what you're suggesting. The other choices are typically 4-6gpm and are widely available at West Marine, Defender, etc. Beyond that you're looking at a significantly more expensive solution to push water that far.

I did notice that Jabsco has a 3gpm pump which is made for multiple outlets. No experience with it, but maybe worth researching. most pumps have a single outlet and we split that for all our faucets. No idea if it would make a difference to have two outlets, but worth a look maybe.

Jabsco 3.0 GPM Automatic Multi-Outlet Water System Pump - 36950-2000

Jabsco Automatic Multi-Outlet Water System Pumps are designed for systems requiring simultaneous operation of multiple faucets. Features: Diaphragm design allows dry running Self-priming Highly reliable, belt-driven pumps Built-in dischar

www.defender.com

Sounds like your use case is reasonable, but tapping into an existing raw water line and adding a new washdown pump near the washdown site (power tapped off of your windlass) isn't that much more trouble at all.

 

[Tim22]

I am persuaded that tapping in to the 3/4” head intake and installing a new washdown pump is probably the best way to go. I have always understood that pumps were better at pushing than pulling water so the pump should be as close to the intake as possible. For my install the easiest location for the pump is about six feet from the input sea clock and 15 feet from the pump to the outlet. The lift is about 7 feet. The head inlet is 3/4” so it would make sense to do 3/4” intake hose to the pump and probably 1/2” from the pump to the outlet. Does this make sense? Also, any suggestions on the best pump to use.

thanks
Tim