Vacuum Bilge Pump?

[bene505]

Does anyone know if there is a vacuum-type bilge pump on the market? I'm not a big fan of the water that is always sitting in the bottom of our bilge.

Also, if it could handle several bilge compartments, that would be best.

Regards

[Hud3]

A little 1 gallon Shop Vac will handle it nicely, but you have to do it manually, of course.

[GordMay]

Diaphragm & Flexible Impeller Self-Priming Bilge Pumps:

Diaphragm Pumps CAN Run Dry:

➥ Electric Diaphragm Pumps > Bilge Pumping Systems > Jabsco - ITT

➥ http://www.depcopump.com/catalog107/26.pdf

Flexible Impeller Pumps CANNOT be Run Dry:

➥ Electric Flexible Impeller Pumps > Bilge Pumping Systems > Jabsco - ITT

[senormechanico]

I second Hud 3's advice.

One of these days, I'll find and fix that rain leak!

Steve B.

[Scottie2]

One of the more unique and interesting systems is the Arid Bilge system:

http://www.aridbilge.com/Tiara.html

http://www.panbo.com/archives/2008/1...ls_better.html

[GordMay]

The Arid Bilge System is very low flow (their Series 2 is 3.5 GPH) residual bilge water vacuum, not designed to replace conventional bilge pumps.

[s/v Sunsets]

Unfortunately, the bilge system on our MacGregor 65 is primarily activated manually-- so unless the water gets pretty darn high the auto-switch does not activate. And even the manual system doesn't get as much of the moisture out as I'd like. Between the condensation from the fridge, the rain leak from SOMEWHERE and so many nooks & crannies in our bilge, I was always frustrated that the bilge was never dry.

The Arid Bilge has been the solution for us. We've got pickups in 4 spots to pull out the last bits of water that were always annoying me. Now, when we return to the boat, the bilge is, in fact, dry as a desert. Even during the deluge of Hurricane Sandy, the unit did its job while it worked its little A _ _ off. We have been thoroughly pleased with its performance. The system is simple enough to install and use, but when we had questions or concerns in the beginning, the support of the Arid Bilge folks was exceptional.

The decision to buy one was a long time coming, but I think it has been a very good investment for our situation.

[hellosailor]

How about an immersion heater and a fan vented exhuast line for the steam?

(Hey, as long as we're thinking outside the box.<G>)

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by Scottie2

One of the more unique and interesting systems is the Arid Bilge system:

Tiara

Panbo: The Marine Electronics Hub: Arid Bilge, smells better

I like it!

I have a bit of rain water that comes in on those wet/windy days. This would keep me from having to lift the panels and dry out the hollow. Which would keep down any mold that might try to grow down there.

[hellosailor]

And the best thing is, they are free. I mean they MUST be free, since Arid doesn't mention any prices, right?

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by bene505

Does anyone know if there is a vacuum-type bilge pump on the market? I'm not a big fan of the water that is always sitting in the bottom of our bilge.

Also, if it could handle several bilge compartments, that would be best.

Regards

A diaphram pump is, by its nature, a vacuum bilge pump. A relatively small diaphram pump can almost completely dry a bilge. See Jabsco 36960 Series Diaphragm Bilge Pump

FWIW...

[senormechanico]

The key word, "almost".

[boden36]

I have had some success hanging a square of towel in the bilge area, dangling into the bilge water. This wicks up the water, and it then evaporates from the hanging towel.
You need a well ventilated bilge and a warm fairly low humidity climate for this to work effectively.

Regards,

Richard.

[Cheechako]

The key is designing the low spot in the bilge so that the inlet can get to the water. Doesnt matter if it's vacuum or what... hmmm... aren't all BP's vacuum really?

[mbianka]

Originally Posted by Hud3

A little 1 gallon Shop Vac will handle it nicely, but you have to do it manually, of course.

Indeed! I carry a Sears two gallon wet/dry vac that sucks the bilge really dry in no time. I've got a deep bilge and don't even have to get on my knees anymore when using the vac. Beats the hand pump and sponge method for speed and drips. Plus it picks up any small debris that might clog the electric bilge pump at the same time.