Does a device like this exist?

[nuru05]

So I'd like to convert my seawater foot pump to an electric one. The main reason is that we use it extensively to wash dishes and it would be nice to actually have some pressure compared to the low volume the foot pump (brand new) gives us.

My only concern is the possibility of some type of hose failure and then we would be pumping water into the boat at 6gpm. Maybe this is being paranoid but does anyone make a device that would address this? I'm thinking some type of a switch that would automatically trip and shut off if the pump is on more than 5 continuous minute?

[Tin Tin]

A 12V timer relay. NARVA make them, not that expensive.

[JoeRobertJr]

I also like the idea of a 12V timer relay. The most challenging part of that improvement on my boat would be installing and wiring push buttons at each of the three sinks to restart the relay timer. Still, it seems worth the effort to me and is on my list.

[CapsizedVeteran]

Originally Posted by JoeRobertJr

I also like the idea of a 12V timer relay. The most challenging part of that improvement on my boat would be installing and wiring push buttons at each of the three sinks to restart the relay timer. Still, it seems worth the effort to me and is on my list.

You don't need push buttons, you just wire the timer to start when the pump kicks on.

[JBP]

In lieu of a footpump, I added an electric pump with a pushbutton. It's not pressurized, but provides lots of flow. Too much for me, I'm trying to think of a way to limit it. Here is the pump.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B087B...b_b_asin_title

I placed the pushbutton at knee height so I could use it hands free.

[JoeRobertJr]

Originally Posted by CapsizedVeteran

You don't need push buttons, you just wire the timer to start when the pump kicks on.

Could you clarify? I am not clear what you mean. The pump comes on. The timer starts. At the end of the timer, the timer relay cuts off the pump. Then what? How do you restart the pump the next time you want pressure?

I am thinking I need the push buttons to reset the timer relay to allow the pump to run again for a certain amount of time.

[Dr. D]

I have that for the sump pump in the shower enclosure. Press the button for the pump, it starts, and the relay cuts it off after 15 seconds. If there is still water in the enclosure, hit the button again. I'm sure there are relays with longer times.

[Sailorlou]

I would use an inexpensive bilge pump instead of a fresh water pump. Something designed for saltwater.

[NorthCoastJoe]

Why not just have a bilge pump alarm and if you blow a hose you will hear about it soon enough. I have a very dry bilge and a loud horn if the pump kicks on.

[RaymondR]

Originally Posted by JBP

In lieu of a footpump, I added an electric pump with a pushbutton. It's not pressurized, but provides lots of flow. Too much for me, I'm trying to think of a way to limit it. Here is the pump.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B087B...b_b_asin_title

I placed the pushbutton at knee height so I could use it hands free.

This was the route I went but instead of the knee operated press button I made a rocker foot switch with both fresh and salt water pumps.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by nuru05

So I'd like to convert my seawater foot pump to an electric one. The main reason is that we use it extensively to wash dishes and it would be nice to actually have some pressure compared to the low volume the foot pump (brand new) gives us.

My only concern is the possibility of some type of hose failure and then we would be pumping water into the boat at 6gpm. Maybe this is being paranoid but does anyone make a device that would address this? I'm thinking some type of a switch that would automatically trip and shut off if the pump is on more than 5 continuous minute?

You'll hear the pump running....

[Rohan]

Would it be a viable alternative to install a watermaker, and then just use fresh water for washing only?

[JoeRobertJr]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

You'll hear the pump running....

I am sure I would not hear the pump if I were in the cockpit while motoring.

[capt jgw]

I had that on a prior boat galley sink. It turned on with a simple MOM-OFF-ON switch like they put on bilge pumps. No timer needed, the system is only powered on when you're actually using it.

[Scorpius]

I put a strobe light in the main saloon wired across my freshwater pressure pump so that anytime the pump runs there's a flash that can be seen throughout the boat. I was inspired to do this when someone used the galley sink and ran one of the four water tanks dry when we were motoring. The pump ran dry for several hours before we shut down the engine and realized what was happening. I'm sure it did the pump no good. It died not long after.