Where to locate new bilge pump?

cdhickey · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2011

My 24' currently has a single, manual bilge pump, with the intake located under the cabin sole. Not liking to swim when I should be sailing, I will be installing a larger, automatic pump, probably a Rule 2000.

I have two options to install it- one would be below the cockpit, the other would be below the v-berth. There's not nearly enough room to fit the pump itself below the cabin sole. Under the cockpit would seem to be the logical choice (close to the power source and discharge thru-hull) and appears to be where a previous pump had been located. However, the beneath the v-berth is where my head intake/discharge is located, as well as my speed transducer. If I'm going to hole my hull, the source will probably be in this area. If the water gets high enough (the bulkhead separating this compartment has some holes for various hoses about 3 inches off the bottom) it will flow out of the v-berth area, but I'd rather it not get that high!

Any thoughts on where to best place the pump?

mitiempo · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-2011

I would put it in the main bilge, under the cabin sole, and if there is not enough room, mount the pump in a different location with a pickup below the sole. This would require a different pump.

cdhickey · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-2011

The main bilge is only a few inches deep, but I guess I could find a pump that would let me run an intake hose there. I hadn't really thought about that option! The only issue I can see is that the float switch would still need to be located somewhere else.

mitiempo · #4 (**permalink**) 04-07-2011

A float switch, of which there are several types, only requires a few inches. Rule has one that I installed the other day that is in a plastic housing and only about 2 1/2" high.

Gladrags1 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-08-2011

Whate makes this small bilge pump that pumps a lot of water and fits in small places. The "smart" version has an integral float switch. Check it out here: Defender.com Search Results: Supersub. I would install this in your main bilge.

Tod

mitiempo · #6 (**permalink**) 04-08-2011

If you don't have room use a non submersible pump, mounted outside of the bilge, with the intake in the bilge and a float switch in the bilge,