Washdown Pump

Apr 25, 2024
495
Fuji 32 Bellingham
Maybe somebody can explain this to me. (I don't know much about pumps, in general.)

I want a washdown pump on our boat. I do not plan to install a through-hull for this. If I get fancy, I might install two connectors in the cockpit - one for intake and one for output. Then, attach a hose that goes overboard, to pump seawater. Or, if I really need freshwater, I guess I could drop the hose in the sink or a bucket.

I am trying to understand why I would choose something like this:


...over something like this at half the price ...


And ... is 3.0 GPM and about 50 PSI going to be frustratingly impotent? I only have about 3 feet of freeboard, which shouldn't matter because I can mount the pump at/below the waterline. I think the planned demand would be to pump 4 ft vertically, but maybe +/1 a foot or so. I will use it mostly to just rinse the dog hair and muddy foot prints off the deck/cocpit, rinse off feet ... that sort of thing.

If I get tricky, I might install a selector valve to draw from the seawater intake port or the boat's freshwater supply. I like that idea. Allows me to clean feet, dog, etc. with saltwater, then do a final rinse with freshwater.

Advice? I am OK spending money where it matters, but I feel like there might be a pretty hefty "yacht tax" on this.
 
Feb 10, 2004
4,125
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
The wash-down pump I use is a Johnson pump Model WD-5.2, part number 10-13407-10. It's rated at 5.2gpm and 70psi. I have had other pumps before this one, and I have found that a pump with the highest pressure and flow rate work best. WM offers it at $270, but they are usually overpriced. Look around.
Additionally, I tee off this pump's output and supply a faucet at my galley sink for rinsing dishes before washing. That process saves a lot of fresh water.
 
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