Above the waterline bilge pumps

[Marpessa]

I have a bilge that is four feet deep and below the diesel engine and drive shaft/prop shaft, so it is pretty much un-accessible.

I'm looking to install a bilge pump that is not submersible so that I can service/troubleshoot issues easily. I will mount it on a flat table top bulkhead that I plan to install in the engine room. I figure I'll glass in some fiberglass lift tubes vertical to the sidewall of the bilge, that then hose clamp to flexi-tube to route to the pump station, then from the pumps route overboard.

Does anyone know of self priming pumps that are designed for this application?

If you have solved this problem on your own vessel I'd like to hear about it.

Thanks all!

[Target9000]

Whale Marine - Products

[djmarchand]

There are positive displacement bilge pumps that self prime, but they are generally low capacity. Look at WM's or Defender's web site for examples.

But can you mount a centrifugal (the typical, non self priming) bilge pump with an integral float switch (same sources) on a long, narrow piece of Starboard, aluminum or SS and attach it so it can be easily removed for servicing. That is the typical approach to your problem.

David

[sabray]

I have a self priming itt jabsco self prime that is low flow. First on pump so it deals with rain water and small amounts that may accumulate. Then johnson in the bilge with higher switch and higher capacity. Johnson is tied to a bus back up alarm. That way I hear when water is really getting in. Itt is expensive but a reliable self prime low flow pump.

[Wind River]

I have a similar bilge under my engine. I have diaphagm style Jabsco pump with a hose leading into the bilge and a heavy pick up foot on it.
This pump, although not a high output, will pass some of the junk that ends up in this difficult to access area. It can also run dry without damage.

Similar to the pump shown above my post.

[ATC]

Originally Posted by sabray

I have a self priming itt jabsco self prime that is low flow. First on pump so it deals with rain water and small amounts that may accumulate. Then johnson in the bilge with higher switch and higher capacity. Johnson is tied to a bus back up alarm. That way I hear when water is really getting in. Itt is expensive but a reliable self prime low flow pump.

x2 great setup

[steve77]

I did a similar installation as the previous posters, to solve the same problem you have.

The only thing I may add is I used the same pump for the bilge as I used for my shower drain pump (Jabsco 50880). I only carry one spare which I can use in either location.

Cheers

Steve

[rtbates]

I second the Jabsco. My Jabsco is mounted in a cockpit locker, a good 5 feet above the bilge floor. The strum box has a built in one way valve. No water flows back in when the pump shuts off.

[JK n Smitty]

Originally Posted by sabray

I have a self priming itt jabsco self prime that is low flow. First on pump so it deals with rain water and small amounts that may accumulate. Then johnson in the bilge with higher switch and higher capacity. Johnson is tied to a bus back up alarm. That way I hear when water is really getting in. Itt is expensive but a reliable self prime low flow pump.

x3 for great setup. I got my Jabsco for $45 from a consignment store. I use the water witch electronic float switch. Can't get stuck on any debris and more reliable then the non-mercury float switches.

[TechnoMonkey]

Old post, I know. My experience with bilge pumps. I have found that most do not like water. I can’t get 3 months out of any. What I found is that “submersible” pumps do not like to be under water. Tried them all. Spent over $1500 trying to find a bilge pump I can walk away from and have it continue to work. I have finally hit the 6 month mark (and still going) with the ‘Rule LoPro’. It is, apparently, a “true” submersible bilge pump that does not die under water.

[Bowdrie]

It was a sad day when Jabsco discontinued the model 34600-1000 pump.
With 1" ports and 10gpm it was the ne plus ultra of all their pumps.
It just became astronomical in price, but if you find one used/consignment there are still lots of parts on Ebay for them.
Heads up on all those Jabsco diaphragm pumps: installing one of those fine-mesh filter screens, (with see-thru housing,) will prevent problems.