Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 22-06-2016, 18:05   #1
Registered User
 
DDabs's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Boat: Morgan Moorings 50
Posts: 1,895
Images: 27
40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

My current bilge pump setup is:
-Jabsco 36960 bilge pump
-Rule superswitch

I am recently being let down by my Jabsco pump and rule superswitch. I am looking for an alternative. My bilge sump is fairly small, and I like the idea of having my external pump mounted high in the bilge. I have been looking a lot at the Whale Gulper and Gulper Grouper pumps, which seem like a more reliable, simple solution. Any input on these models? Both of my head shower drains go into the bilge and I like the idea of having a pump that is heavy duty and will not clog.

Also with the float switch, thoughts on a better solution to the rule flapper? Jabsco Air switch?

Thanks so much for any input.

David
DDabs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-06-2016, 18:32   #2
Registered User

Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: between the devil and the deep blue sea
Boat: a sailing boat
Posts: 20,420
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

I think the heaviest duty Johnson pumps are fine.

Bilge switches ... I think most are crap but sure posters will let us know which are the best around. I am interested too.

BTW Rule heavy duty bilge switch is a plastic piece of (self censored) lemon.

b.
barnakiel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-06-2016, 18:54   #3
Registered User

Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Wherever the wind takes me
Boat: Bristol 41.1
Posts: 1,006
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

Quote:
Originally Posted by DDabs View Post
My current bilge pump setup is:
-Jabsco 36960 bilge pump
-Rule superswitch

I am recently being let down by my Jabsco pump and rule superswitch. I am looking for an alternative. My bilge sump is fairly small, and I like the idea of having my external pump mounted high in the bilge. I have been looking a lot at the Whale Gulper and Gulper Grouper pumps, which seem like a more reliable, simple solution. Any input on these models? Both of my head shower drains go into the bilge and I like the idea of having a pump that is heavy duty and will not clog.

Also with the float switch, thoughts on a better solution to the rule flapper? Jabsco Air switch?

Thanks so much for any input.

David
First off, I would install a sump pump for the shower drains and not dump into the bilge.

Second, all the float switches are failure prone. By all means install an "ON-AUTO-OFF" switch or something similar. Check them regularly.

Third, all de-watering pumps should be individually circuited.

Finally, after installing a redundant pump, add another! Plan on at least one pump failing in the event of flooding.

Keep a clean bilge. See first suggestion above!
redsky49 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-06-2016, 19:12   #4
Registered User
 
DDabs's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Boat: Morgan Moorings 50
Posts: 1,895
Images: 27
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

Quote:
Originally Posted by redsky49 View Post
First off, I would install a sump pump for the shower drains and not dump into the bilge.

Second, all the float switches are failure prone. By all means install an "ON-AUTO-OFF" switch or something similar. Check them regularly.

Third, all de-watering pumps should be individually circuited.

Finally, after installing a redundant pump, add another! Plan on at least one pump failing in the event of flooding.

Keep a clean bilge. See first suggestion above!
there is not room underneath the floor in the heads, all roads lead to rome (the bilge). I have done everything else you suggested already and always carry spares. I was more wondering about the Whale gulper brand in particular.
DDabs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-06-2016, 19:37   #5
Registered User

Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 467
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

I just had a rant about this not long !
The diaphragm pumps are great for removing that last bit of water from a shower drain and don't drain back but they don't have much volume unless you get a really big expensive pump
I would not have a bilge pump switch with an off position, it may get turned off inadvertently I want it to run until a fire starts then the rising water will put out the fire!
The float switches that use a steel ball and micro switch are a guaranteed failure ! the old float switches had a mercury switch which only failed in the on position when the float sunk
I am thinking of making my next switch with a mercury switch and float that can not sink before mercury switches are no longer available. That drop of mercury will cause less pollution than all the other contaminating products on my boat when it sinks !!!
Chinese built products WHAT can you say?
DDabs I feel your pain Just faced the same dilemma and not happy with my current solution for several reasons but am content knowing I have a very loud high water alarm, if the float switch will work that one time!!!
sartorst is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-06-2016, 19:39   #6
Registered User

Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Astoria, NY
Boat: Sabre 38
Posts: 566
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

For the switch, Google the Ultra Safety System switch. Best by far. Won't clog and nearly unbreakable. There are dozens of threads on the site recommending it. I have two.

Best practice is two pumps on different levels, as you suggested. Big centrifuge on top. Either a smaller centrifuge or diaphragm pump to keep the bilge as dry as possible. The Rule pumps are generally much better than the switches. Not too sure about only a diaphragm pump only; might not have the GPH capacity you'd want.

Remove any check valves. Straight, smooth hose sized appropriately for each pump.

Enjoy not sinking!


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum
__________________
Stephen

s/v Carpe Ventum
1983 Sabre 38
My Intro
fallingeggs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-06-2016, 19:44   #7
Registered User

Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Astoria, NY
Boat: Sabre 38
Posts: 566
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

Let me also add the suggestion to add a bilge pump counter (I have Auqaalarm). Handy to know what is up. Also has a buzzer of the pump runs for over 2 minutes. The USS Sr switch has a high water alarm wired to another buzzer.

And keep your bilges clean!


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum
__________________
Stephen

s/v Carpe Ventum
1983 Sabre 38
My Intro
fallingeggs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-06-2016, 19:55   #8
Registered User
 
DDabs's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Boat: Morgan Moorings 50
Posts: 1,895
Images: 27
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

thanks eggs!
DDabs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-06-2016, 19:57   #9
Registered User
 
DDabs's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Boat: Morgan Moorings 50
Posts: 1,895
Images: 27
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

Quote:
Originally Posted by barnakiel View Post
BTW Rule heavy duty bilge switch is a plastic piece of (self censored) lemon.

b.
amen.
DDabs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-06-2016, 20:57   #10
Marine Service Provider
 
Steadman Uhlich's Avatar

Cruisers Forum Supporter

Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,103
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

There is a good article about bilge pumps here:

ALL ABOUT BILGE PUMPS - Boats, Yachts Maintenance and Troubleshooting

May your bunk and bilge be ever dry!
Steadman Uhlich is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-06-2016, 22:55   #11
Marine Service Provider

Join Date: May 2012
Location: New Orleans
Boat: We have a problem... A serious addiction issue.
Posts: 3,974
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

Take a look at the Seaflo pumps. They come with a 4 year warranty instead of the 1 year of everything else. They cost more, and I haven't had a chance to try them out personally, but everyone I know who has used them is impressed.
__________________
Greg

- If animals weren't meant to be eaten then they wouldn't be made of food.
Stumble is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-06-2016, 23:10   #12
cruiser

Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Pangaea
Posts: 10,856
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

We just purchased a KPM-marine predator commercial macerating bilge pump. Now, all the marine store stuff looks like cheap plastic toys. It's about twice the cost, but sometimes in life you get what you pay for.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	image.jpeg
Views:	203
Size:	30.6 KB
ID:	126741  
Kenomac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-06-2016, 23:30   #13
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Cheyenne, WY
Boat: 1981 Ta Tong Cape Horn Cutter
Posts: 330
Images: 2
Send a message via Skype™ to gts1544
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

D Dabs, For what it's worth, we have a 40 ' Beneteau which is set up as follows: 3 bilges - salon bilge with a Rule 800 GPH submersible bilge pump controlled by a Rule float switch / engine bilge (with a dam separating it from the salon bilge with oil absorbing matting in the bilge to catch any oil) which uses a high mount diaphragm pump controlled by a float switch / shower bilge plumbed to a high mount diaphragm pump located under the galley sink, plumbed into its drain (eliminates another sea cock) and controlled by a waterproof toggle switch on the vanity. All 3 bilge pumps are armed by a power switch on our Nav. station and all are individually fused. The power switch is normally left in the ON position, but is nice to have for repairs, replacement or fire. George
gts1544 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23-06-2016, 06:51   #14
Registered User
 
DDabs's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Boat: Morgan Moorings 50
Posts: 1,895
Images: 27
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

Kenomac, that looks like quite a nice pump! I have sent them an inquiry, but do you have a rough estimate on what they cost? I have also contacted National Magnetic Sensors in regards to a float switch that they make for commercial shipping, similar to the Ultimate brand design.

My plan is:
-Whale gulper or similar non-clogging, heavy duty diaphragm pump as primary pump
-Rule 4000 or similar mounted a little higher in the small bilge as a backup pump
-keep existing whale manual pump in cockpit
-Ultra or similar design float switch

sound good?
DDabs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23-06-2016, 09:29   #15
cruiser

Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Pangaea
Posts: 10,856
Re: 40 ft. sailboat bilge setup

I paid just under $800 for a KPM marine predator pump including VAT shipped from the UK to Italy. In the US, the cost would be closer to $700. Ours also included an extension with a second macerator at the bottom. The total length of the pump is 42 inches to reach the bottom of the bilge.
Kenomac is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
bilge, sail, sailboat

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cheap/basic redundant bilge pump setup VinnyVincent Monohull Sailboats 46 23-10-2015 05:55
Setup recommendation for PV/Turbine/Alt setup johol Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 0 05-08-2014 22:36
Hard Bilge vs Soft Bilge . . . otherthan Monohull Sailboats 17 04-11-2010 16:18
1990 Wellcraft San Remo Bilge Pump Locations and Foul Bilge Smell skyinb Powered Boats 2 25-06-2010 19:21
Bilge Pumps vs Bilge Pumps RoJack1 Construction, Maintenance & Refit 12 30-05-2010 19:01

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:28.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.