Which Manual Bilge Pump?

Perithead · #1 (**permalink**) 01-23-2012

I need a manual bilge pump for my Montgomery 17.

I want to be able to operate it from the cockpit but I also want it to look somewhat decent. WM has one that I think fits the bill for placement and looks but I am not sure about the handle on it. Apparently the cover doubles also as the handle for the pump. Just by the looks of it I am not sure if this is a feasible handle or not.

Does anyone have experience with a pump like this? Any opinions?
JOHNSON PUMP Pump-blg at West Marine

Brent Swain · #2 (**permalink**) 01-23-2012

Some are engineered to make sure you have no option but to use only their parts, and can't substitute anything. I weld up my own manual pumps out of scrap stainless. They are quite simple. Any good metal worker can easily make his own.

mitiempo · #3 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012

I don't think you need a custom built stainless pump on a 17' boat. But the one you linked to looks a bit strange to me - the handle design in particular.

This one may work well but where you will mount it may determine the type of pump. Whale Compac 50 Series Low Profile Bilge Pump

SloopJonB · #4 (**permalink**) 01-25-2012

On a boat that size, just carry your anchor and line in a five gallon pail. If you spring a leak, dump out the bucket and use it. If you want something to slurp up a bit of rain & spray, get one of those cheap plastic "Navy" draw pumps as well - about $15 or $20 IIRC.

aeventyr60 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-25-2012

Nothing better then a scared man and a bucket...

BubbleheadMd · #6 (**permalink**) 01-25-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitiempo

I don't think you need a custom built stainless pump on a 17' boat. But the one you linked to looks a bit strange to me - the handle design in particular.

This one may work well but where you will mount it may determine the type of pump. Whale Compac 50 Series Low Profile Bilge Pump

Sorry for the hi-jack. Can this pump be mounted vertically as well as horizontally?

SlowButSteady · #7 (**permalink**) 01-25-2012

I doubt one of those little Johnson pumps would be very comfortable to use for more than a few strokes. I would opt for something with a more ergonomic handle. The Whale pump that mitiempo points out looks much better. Also, remember that for the same size hole a small boat will sink faster than a larger boat. Which calls into question whether on should always thing a small boat needs a small pump.

Faster · #8 (**permalink**) 01-25-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeventyr60

Nothing better then a scared man and a bucket...

.... or woman!

I like the idea of the 'built in' handle.. nothing to lose - but I suspect that the difficulty in use mentioned above may well prove true. Certainly there's reduced leverage compared to the one that Brian posted.. for $20 difference it's probably the better choice.

mitiempo · #9 (**permalink**) 01-25-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by BubbleheadMd

Sorry for the hi-jack. Can this pump be mounted vertically as well as horizontally?

Yes it can be mounted either way. My pump is similar and installed in the side of the cockpit footwell.

overbored · #10 (**permalink**) 01-25-2012

that pump is the same type as the new Whale Smartbail it does not have the same output as the other pumps with a handle. 9gmp vs 17 gmp. it can be operated by hand or foot. advantage is you won't loose the handle. the bigger pump won't even put of 9 gpm if you can't find the handle