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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Bilge pump C-25

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gunner74
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/26/2012 : 07:53:04

I have a Catalina 25 swing keel. It came with a bilge pump, but it was just laying loose in the cabin. Where should it be mounted? And where does it exhaust to? Does it hook in to the manual pump? Thanks.

Edited by - on

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2012 : 08:42:42

It sounds like it was never installed.

The normal installation that I've seen on here is to have it T into the output side of the manual bilge pump (where the output line has started flowing down towards the transom). That makes the best sense because it means that a seal failure in either pump wouldn't cause backflow back into the bilge, but doesn't require adding another through-hole in the transom.

I don't have a swing keel. On my fixed keel I'd mount the pump near the manual pump intake line above the keel.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9087 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2012 : 09:02:31

Hmmm... I dunno... The experts say to minimize bends in the hose from a bilge pump--a T fitting is a severe bend. And teeing into the manual pump line, even aft of the loop, would seem to create a possible siphon effect back to the manual pump if you operate both simultaneously. The flappers in the manual pump won't let much water back in, but the manual pump might be useless in that circumstance.

I would always have one outlet for each bilge pump. (I have two right now.)

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 08/26/2012 09:12:17

WesAllen
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2012 : 12:02:35

I agree with Stinkpotter. Mine has two outlets with the electric bilge pump going through a loop vent to stop syphoning back to the bilge.

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hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2012 : 03:17:45

I mounted the automatic electric bilge pump next to the existing manual bilge pump intake hose end. I used PVC flexible hose. Installed a one-way valve at the pump. I put the exit into the cockpit so I could see if it came on while underway. Hose has easy curves only.Electric and manual are completely separate systems. Not sure that is the best way but that's what I did

Edited by - hewebb on 08/27/2012 03:19:13

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9087 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2012 : 06:48:55

Howard: I recall someone like Don Casey (?) warning not to put a check valve in a bilge pump line because it can significantly reduce the flow rate, and the water column it holds in the line could make it difficult for the pump to get going to push the valve open. That means you'll get some back-flow each time the pump turns off... There's even a possible benefit to that: It could clear something that's clogging the pump.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 08/27/2012 10:20:14

gunner74
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2012 : 07:52:23

I really like the idea about running the outlet into the cockpit. That way I don't have to put another hole in my boat, and I can see if the pump comes on. Do you really think I need a check valve in the line? Seems to mee if the water ever gets up that high the boat would already be in big trouble.

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hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2012 : 04:02:41

Dave

I was unsure about the check valve but I was thinking that the water in the hose could keep the pump cycling when it returned to the bilge. I did some test with a water hose on the pump installation and it all worked OK. Now I am thinking that the water in the hose may not be able to get through the pump backwards. I think I will remove the valve and do another test to see if that is a good thought.

Howard

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3477 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2012 : 05:14:25

<>

Sounds like a great way to get water in the boat. Anyhoo.. I've seen a few boats over the years that have the cockpit flooded after a storm. Debris clogs the scuppers, and then into the boat if there is a open line. I would not put a backflo checkvalve in a bilge line. Scupper flap at the most. The backflow checkvalves get dirty and quit working as well as block outward flow rate. You will probably never use the bilge pump unless you are cleaning, but if you do need it, you probably need it bad.
I'm due to put in a bilge pump and although I've never done one on the catalina 25, I'm planning to put the pump aft in the bilge and run the line back next to the existing manual line. Up from the bilge and high and then back down some to exit aft.

Always on, Fused and unswitched to the battery. Rule 1100. I've used both the rm1100 ( float switch )and the 27s (sensor) and I'm good with both as long as you have a solar panel charging your batteries.

my 2 cents, worth what you paid.

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gunner74
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2012 : 06:53:55

Well that's true. If the cockpit scuppers get clogged then you're not really pumping water out, just back in. I'll have to look this over a bit more and try to find a good solution. Thanks for all the advice, it's a lot of help for new sailors like me.As I get closer to having the boat ready for the lake, I'll probably have a lot more questions.

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3477 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2012 : 07:47:02

I've got a question... Does your manual bilge pump work?

I havn't tested or used mine in Ummm... about 7 years.

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awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2012 : 11:09:29

I was thinking about a Y, not a real T, to join the two outlet lines into one. That shouldn't cause too much pressure due to a turn. A completely isolated system is still the best if you don't mind another through-hole on the transom.

I don't want bilge water going into my cockpit, it's often gross and that leaves two places to clean up.

I had to replace the seals on my manual bilge pump when I bought the boat. It didn't take long and it works great now. I don't have an electric bilge pump.

Edited by - on

hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2012 : 04:13:47

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">
I've got a question... Does your manual bilge pump work?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yes, the manual pump works well.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Well that's true. If the cockpit scuppers get clogged then you're not really pumping water out<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Mine have never clogged and I would check them before I used the boat.

As far a debris getting in the pump-There is a screen at the intake and so far my bilge is quite clean. Guess I am lucky. However, I am considering removing the one-way valve.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2012 : 21:54:13

I'm sure you've noticed that there isn't much clearance near the keel housing. Access from the quarterberth and mount it as close to the keel housing as possible, that will put it low in the bilge.

Edited by - on

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