Getting the last bit of bilge water

[chasmains]

Diaphragm pumps are good, having great suction and built in check valves ( suction and discharge sides of these pumps). But for any pump with a long suction line, a check valve at the strainer is essential. Check valves always add losses to the system, but most diaphragm pumps can easily overpower the suction losses. However, they don’t pump at high rates. You also need a suction fitting that can take water from a depth of, say, 1/4” above the bilge bottom. So a centrifugal pump to take out the deep water and a diaphragm pump with check valve at the inlet would do great.
Also note that a centrifugal pump would make you happier if it has a check valve immediately on its discharge side so after pumping, all the discharge line does not drain back into your sump through the pump.

[Sailor647]

The old remote Par pumps work like a champ for getting all the water out. If you can find one, and the parts, they are simple to rebuild/recondition. The Par pump pictured is 32 years old.

The Rule pumps allow water in the hose to drain back down into the bilge.

[chasmains]

Both are diaphragm pumps in these photos. Really nice and clean, too. Well loved.

[MicHughV]

I had an annoying problem with my a/c condensate, though the a/c tray had a small bilge pump as described previously, it was a pita...as it would constantly clog up...that a/c was located below the waterline, so that little pump had to pump up..
I got one of those plastic shower sump boxes with a little pump in it, positioned it over the keel under the sole and directed the a/c condensate runoff to that...works like a champ....never had another problem after that.....

[Captain Puget]

Take a look at Airid Bilge Systemes - vaccum based, Multiple pickup points. Going on 3 years, satisfied

https://www.aridbilgesystems.com/

[sengland]

You might want to try these guys. They claim their unit will leave your bilge dry. https://www.aridbilgesystems.com/

[Knotical]

Originally Posted by bobnlesley

A sponge and a bucket?

I use this, it takes time but it works...always.

[mikedefieslife]

No-one here read Panbo. For me Panbo's articles are up there with Thinwater, and Vyv Cox (on YBW forum). The site covers this nicely for about $50 in parts.



https://www.panbo.com/a-dry-bilge-for-50/

Waits for the comments about the lack of hose clamps.

[Montanan]

A common portable wet shop vacuum cleaner from the hardware store for those few occasions when the bilge gets moist and the primary pump will not remove the remainder. It of course, can be used for ordinary dry matter tidying up of the boat.

[mikedefieslife]

Works well. I use a Kacher WD3 or something like that. Pain in arse to get out of storage every time I spill a bit of water changing filters in the watermaker etc..

[sagablu]

IF looking for a cheap solution, I found this:

https://www.amazon.com/Powstro-Porta...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

[mikedefieslife]

Originally Posted by sagablu

IF looking for a cheap solution, I found this:

https://www.amazon.com/Powstro-Porta...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

I don't see how that can work, just looking at the image you can the stand offs. So if you have a flat bilge you could still have litres of water in there.

Not picking on you, but I'm not sure that some people get the concept of removing ALL water from the bilge. You cannot do it with submersible pumps as by definition they have to be submersed.

[sagablu]

Originally Posted by mikedefieslife

I don't see how that can work, just looking at the image you can the stand offs. So if you have a flat bilge you could still have litres of water in there.

Not picking on you, but I'm not sure that some people get the concept of removing ALL water from the bilge. You cannot do it with submersible pumps as by definition they have to be submersed.

The entire pump is a bit over 4", so those standoffs cannot be more than 1/4 in. If it stopped pumping close to that I would be happy as I have the same issue. Anyway. I do not attest to this solution, just something I found that may work for minimal $$$. Just a manual or auto switch and some hose would be needed.

Furthermore, stop picking on me! You are hurting my very sensitive feeling!

[FlightPlan]

I bought this system last month, but haven't installed it yet since I am home in Tulsa right now and the boat is set up for hurricane in Florida. Go to this link and watch the assembly/installation video. I paid $435.00 which includes OK tax. I plan to mount the sensors on the float switch body with 3M5200. www.drybilgesystem.com

[markpierce]

How about installing a drain hole.