Portable Wash Down Kit - Good idea?

[Tafa]

Hello everyone,

While I was searching for a washdown system, I came across with Whale Portable Washdown kit. It consists of one 16 GPM submersible pump, 12 feet cable and 12feet hose and a nozzle. Whale Marine - Products

The idea of eliminating back breaking installation and tubing work sounds really appealing to me (Bilge is already quite busy with the water pressure pump, sump pump, and the macerator.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this kit... Or any downside you can think of?

Thanks in advance,

Tafa

[Dockhead]

Sounds like a great idea, and I'm waiting to see what others have to say about it.

[captain465]

Downside could be storage.....an installed system does not take up locker space, and you don't have to did it out and put it away when you are done using it.

[Tellie]

16gpm or 1.6gpm? 16gpm would be a huge amount of flow draining most fresh water tanks in a matter of minutes..........

PS, Ok I had to go to the site and see for myself. Seems I'd go with the higher lift chart to get a more realistic flow. Seems a little over 3gpm is more realistic and sensible

[Mike OReilly]

Interesting … anyone see a price, or have a retailer where its being sold?

And how would it compare to this:

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/trac-...-kit--15888928

[daletournier]

I used a very similar setup on my last boat, not as convenient as a built in wash down pump but still worked well for those muddy anchorages.
Unless I read the description wrong it dosent use fresh water, you drop the pump over the side and connect the alligator clips to the battery. It worked well.

[Tafa]

Thanks for all comments,

I've decided to go for it. It is available at one of Canadian supplier's online store

https://www.marineoutfitters.ca/inde...e=766478942395

[Suijin]

The only downside I can think of is convenience which is pretty much a function of how often you use it. If I had to rig that up every time I needed to use a wash down in muddy cruising grounds I'd go nuts I think. One concern I'd have is the wire run to the bow if your batteries are aft. At the very least you might want to install a receptacle forward to make connecting it easy with minimal voltage drop.

Another concern I'd have is that nowhere does it mention saltwater. The pump itself, used in other applications, specifies freshwater. But given that it can pump oil and diesel would lead you be believe that it's fine with saltwater.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Tafa

Thanks for all comments,

I've decided to go for it. It is available at one of Canadian supplier's online store

https://www.marineoutfitters.ca/inde...e=766478942395

Thanks Tafa, that’s perfect . This is one of my go-to marine stores. I’ll definitely take a serious look at this.

A wash down pump has been on my “to do” list for years, but never made it very high on the priority list. Fact is, I don’t absolutely need it. And the installation of a permanent wash down system through my teak decked, with limited chain locker accessed (hawse pipe), would be a major PITA. So this might be the perfect combo.

I’d install a 12v receptacle at the bow (a relatively easy task), and carry the hose and pump in a bucket. I already usually carry a bucket to the bow now so I can wash off the chain, so no change — except washing would presumably be a lot easier.