Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I thought I would seek the wisdom/experience of this august group regarding one of those nagging "dumb questions". The manual bilge pump on my boat does not work. The simple solution (I thought) would be to purchase a replacement pump through Catalina Direct. When I received the pump I found that it does not fit the existing mounts or even fit the same openings. My existing pump has four mounting screws/bolts and an opening shaped like an oval @1" x8" while the new pump has a rectangular opening that does not match up/coordinate with either the existing screws/bolts or the slot. I then called Catalina Yachts and was told they used several pumps but the most logical was a different (European) brand. When I checked that mfg's web sight I again found the pump configuration is very different. I really would like to avoid making a huge hole and the challenge of finding the proper replacement also has me. I do want a manual pump for repetitive systems albeit my boat is dry, so the search continues. But, what have others done when their pump needs to be replaced -- or do people just rebuild them?
Peter Bigelow PO - C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick Rowayton, Ct Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT
Is yours a "Whale" pump? Can you find a brand name on it? Maybe post a photo of any distinct markings that might help us. I have noticed that our chandlerys here sometimes source things that aren't as common in the US. If I know what to look for I can keep an eye out for you.
If you can identify it, it may just need and inexpensive (relatively) rebuild with a new diaphragm. Try a search, I know this was discussed a year or two ago.
Last spring I discovered my manual pump didn't make it thru the winter. I suspected it was the diaphragm. As I recall, the pump is a Guzzler 400. I was able to get to the website thru some markings on the pump. I ordered a repair kit online and successfully made the repair. The kit also includes an input and output fitting. They are different! Make sure you mark which goes where. Check that there is good pumping action before you reinstall. The hardest part will be reinstalling the pump -- it requires either a very long arm and/or some ingenuity. Good Luck!!
The pump is a Whaler Gusher Urchin thru deck/bulkhead. The # is BP9013. You might find you just need a new diaphram and seals in which case you need # AK9003. Their number is 978 531 0021 or usasales@whalepumps.com
Looks like no one has actually replaced the pump and that repairs have been the option of choice. I will check to see if a "simple" repair will work. Between my interned servant son (at least for another couple of years) and my long arms I think we can pull and repair -- which has to be easier than cutting new holes in the cockpit seats, BTW fully understand that a battery operated pump is a good idea, but when on water its always best to have a manual and repetitive system.
Another Question along these lines, Aside from Pouring water in the bilge... Any other thoughts on how to test the Manual bildge pump that does NOT make a mess?
The manual pump has a hose that goes into the bilge. Fill a margarine/ice cream/etc. tub with water and pump it dry. You may need a helper to hold the hose in the tub, and the tub in place.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.