[Rhodes22-list] bilge pump

[RICK CENTALONZA]

on 7/16/04 11:24 AM, Gardner, Douglas (LNG-DAY) at
douglas.gardner at lexisnexis.com wrote:

> Rick, 
> 
> I'm sure you'll get some good responses.  We've had extensive discussion
> on this in the past, and several excellent approaches.  I particularly
> remember MJM's approach (multiple bilge pumps in various locations) and
> Roger's (he made a well in front of the centerboard trunk).
> 
> I can only give details on mine.
> 
> For mine, I went the easy way.  I have a cheap electrically operated bilge
> pump w/ a float switch under the floor of the head.  It is directly wired to
> the battery, with a fuse inline.  Therefore, it is NOT disabled if I have
> the battery switch in the off position.
> 
> The hose runs into the galley area and up to the hull-deck joint, where it
> turns back with a vented loop and then back down to tie into the sink drain.
> The vented loop is important to prevent siphoning if the sink drain
> through-hull is under water on a port tack.  Some people recommend a check
> valve in addition to or instead of the vented loop.  However, I opted for
> the simpler solution with less potential for obstructions in the hose.
> 
> To my knowledge, the bilge pump has never come on, although I have had water
> in the bilge. I've never had what I consider to be a LOT of water in the
> bilge, and I've always found and patched any small leaks.  Generally, my
> bilge is BONE dry. I forced the pump to come on to test it, but I guess
> there was never enough water to activate the cheap float switch.
> 
> If I had to do it over again, I'd probably buy a better pump and better
> float switch, and try to shorten the hose length by using a more direct
> route to the sink drain.  However, I don't think there is much wrong with my
> general approach if the goal is just to assist or to keep a minor leak from
> severly flooding the boat if I'm away for a few weeks (assuming the battery
> charger is connected to shore power).
> 
> I do have a manual bilge pump, which is really the primary way to get water
> out of the bilge.
> 
> --Doug
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
> [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org]On Behalf Of RICK CENTALONZA
> Sent: Friday, July 16, 2004 10:50 AM
> To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] bilge pump
> 
> 
> Dear Gentleman,
> I have been reading the e-mails for months prior to getting a new Rhodes in
> May.
> How would I run the wire and tubing for a bilge pump. I have read some of
> the archives, but there is no mention of this.
> Thank you.
> Rick 
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Doug,
Thank you for the info. I'll take a look under the floor near the head and
let you know my decision.

Rick