Bilge Pump system...

The bilge pump system is completed and surprise, surprise it works. The small lower pump monitors water level in the sump and pumps it up into the upper chamber. When the float is activated the Rule 2000 then pumps any water overboard. The eagle eyed amongst you will notice the non return valve on the outlet hose (see my absolute statement in a previous post!!!!). I had hoped to avoid this but with any deep bilge the water in the hose drains back down when the pump shuts off and reactivates the float switch. This results in cycling of the pump. This valve will reduce the pump capacity but as this is only a secondary pump it should not matter much. I replaced the original Rule 3700 with a Rule 2000 and will use the 3700 in another location.

Electric Bilge Pumps.........

From the West Marine Adviser; "Virtually no boat has a bilge pump system which is large enough to keep up with a leak caused by hull damage. Bilge pumps are designed for small quantities of water and are not damage control pumps like the ones Coast Guard helicopters drop." Some figures to keep in mind.

Rule 2000 = 2000 GPH, allow 50% efficiency (very generous, 25% more realistic.) due to hoses etc. = 17GPM = 1000GPH.

2" hole 3' under the waterline (tru hull hose breaks off etc.) = 136GPM = 8160GPH

4" hole 3' under the waterline (ding a container/reef etc.)= 544GPM = 32,640GPH = block the hole or its swimming stations.

Figures from Calder. Worth reading P 219 of his Cruising Handbook (as well as the rest of the book). Sobering stuff.

I will look into the following system, but I'm not sure how I can incorporate it;

Fast Flow Pumps