Wednesday, 9 March 2016

Where to mount a bilge pump

my birthday is coming up soon and I am allowed to buy a whale gusher urchin manual bilge pump if I would like one...a pressie from "her indoors".

So, a quandary. I have read the leaflet about installation. I like the look of it. But where exactly would one mount it for convenience and efficiency within Arwen's cockpit? I'm thinking that when in a squall and rainwater is collecting, whilst the wind is blowing and the waves are getting larger.........one hand for steering and one hand for pumping?

I have no idea......if anyone who knows what Arwen looks like and has some thoughts about whether to get one and if so where to mount it, then I am all ears. Any tips and constructive advice most welcome especially from any Welsford boat owners who have such a thing installed in their own boats

Steve
at

8 comments:

  1. robert.ditterich9 March 2016 at 21:54

    Pumping into the CB case may involve making a hole, but it gives lots of choices. In my Nav, water does come don to the cockpit and I think I'd place it at the rearmost side of the CB, where I could pump from the helm, but that assumes quite a bit of water in the bilge. It may be simpler to set the pump into the helm seat, collecting from the transom and shooting out the side....just some thoughts

    ReplyDelete
  2. Joel Bergen10 March 2016 at 05:58

    Hi Steve. I think the place to mount it would be on B3 or somewhere in that area. That is where the most water gathers. The footwell could be bailed with a bucket or kayak pump afterward or by another crewmember as it does not collect as much water. Or you could install pipes thru your mid thwart to allow water to drain from the footwell forward. Looks like the gusher will pump about 12 gpm. A bucket would be faster, especially in the hands of a frightened sailor, but the gusher might be a good choice for Arwen given the amount of gear you carry. A man bailing with a bucket requires a fair amount of free space to do the job but maybe the gusher would require only space enough to operate the handle. Not too sure though, as I have always used a bucket, followed by kayak pump, and sponge last.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous10 March 2016 at 07:45

    when in bad weather single handed , I want one hand on the tiller and the other on the main sheet, so if I see a big gust it can be eased instantly to avoid going swimming ! .

    Gel battery and small electric pump ?.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Steve-the-Wargamer10 March 2016 at 12:43

    Would have thought a bailer would be better/easier??? Pumps are good for getting at water that's not easily accessible, but your open boat should have easy access to all bilges???

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rational Root10 March 2016 at 16:42

    Get the one with the removable handle, it makes it much easier to find somewhere that you can put it, not in the way and still easy to use.

    ReplyDelete
  6. steve10 March 2016 at 18:14

    Guys
    Thanks. Really useful stuff. I'm dithering. I'm sort of leaning to not getting one. I agree with Joel on most points. However, the water on my last rainy trip dies build up and having the ability to just pump a few inches out whilst still helming does have its merits.
    There again, I've managed thus far with with plastic bailer, sponge and bucket and kayak pump.
    May be the alternative is a simple electric one with float switch attached to good quality 12 amp battery. Gives best of both worlds .......when on drive it would automatically pump Arwen out when rainwater soaks through tarp.

    Thank you as always for advice. Deeply appreciated and good to hear from you all. Working 70 hr weeks at moment so chatting to you guys is such welcome relief. Thank you all
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
  7. steve10 March 2016 at 18:16

    Ps already installed the pipes Joel when I built her....only original bit of proactive thinking I ever did!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Alden Smith15 March 2016 at 08:10

    Without a doubt mount the pump where you can steer and pump at the same time.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking a look at my blog. All comments and advice are welcome - drop me a few lines. You can always find videos about Arwen at www.youtube.com/c/plymouthwelshboy. Look forward to hearing from you.
Steve