Variable Speed Freshwater Pump...Suggestions?

[redneckrob]

Originally Posted by ItDepends

Redneckrob,

Something is wrong with your install, or your procedure, or your pump. These pumps absolutely will self prime.

I have the smallest one and it easily pulls water up from 4+ feet below it’s mounting level.

They can not push air against back pressure, so you need to be sure that the bleed valve on the pump is fully open to self-prime.

Oh, I misunderstood what was going on with mine then. I always have to open the bleed valve after it runs dry and assumed that was because it couldn't suck water and I had to allow the water to drain down to fill the pump, never thought about it not being able to push air! Thanks, I learned something new!

[desdestiny]

This device can be retinstallation.ro fitted to any low DC water pump.
It works on 12V or 24V power - and automatically sets the voltage internally to regulate the output.

It uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to adjust the pump speed and control the pump output. It uses soft start PWM switching.

It will reduce noise levels, extend the life of the pump, and provide even water flow at the pressure set. The pressure is adjustable with a rotary potentiometer fitted to the outside of the controller.

See

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpyB8CguvIg

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z96FgUBhzNQ

for demonstration of performance.

my email: des@edgetec.net

[Stu Jackson]

I have the OEM pump in my 1986 boat, not VSD, no accumulator. It is not a Jabsco. It is a Shurflo. I have a backup Shurflo on board, not VSD.



When Catalina began making the C355 (a "replacement" of our by-then venerable C34) they installed Jabsco VSDs. They were nothing but trouble. When replaced by the factory, the replacements had to be replaced. This was around 2010 or so. It took a few years for things to calm down. I haven't heard much about "problem" pumps on their message group in a long time, so it could be that Jabsco "fixed" their original problem. I doubt if Catalina changed manufacturers.

[waterman46]

Do the same job with a cheaper and non-electronic design. Accumulator if you have room. Electronic controls for such a simple job seems crazy to me, an electronic engineer.

[silverp40]

Go boating, Just realizing you're using the Marco3 model not 2. Is the 2 model too small for your boat's needs?


Thanks all for your input also!

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by waterman46

Do the same job with a cheaper and non-electronic design. Accumulator if you have room. Electronic controls for such a simple job seems crazy to me, an electronic engineer.

Variable speed is quieter , less motor wear and more efficient. It has advantages

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by silverp40

Go boating, Just realizing you're using the Marco3 model not 2. Is the 2 model too small for your boat's needs?


Thanks all for your input also!

In VSD I’m aware of the marco 3/E and 6/E

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Yep
I keep hearing of people with these "magic" pumps
Can't seem to buy one myself.

You must be jinxed.
Whilst my pump is not a VS unit it is now just a few months short of being 29 years old.
Replaced the diaphragm at 25 years.
It has run virtually every day of that time, it's a Flojet.
I'll not have a Jabsco or a Shurflo, I've had enough years of experience with them to know better.
It helps to use a large accumulator tank and either a Furnas or Square D remote pressure switch set to a bit lower pressure than the factory built-in switch settings.

[Marekaofholland]

Oh oh, we are also in our 20th year With this excellent pump. (6 months per year on board) Just hate to see ours gone soon, reading your post…. I think I Must have à spare one somewhere i thing. Will start digging to be sure

[skenn_ie]

I have a multi-diaphragm pump that is bigger than I need. I connected it through a DC-DC converter that has adjustable voltage and current limit, and an external, clunky, pressure switch. Turn on the heaviest tap, adjust the voltage down until the flow slows, then adjust the current down too. The current limit will kick in with slow flow, preventing overheating of the motor. The voltage adjust prevents overworking at max flow. I have had that setup for several years without problem. I also have a variable-flame gas-fired water heater, also excellent results with that pump arrangement.

[Coltrek]

I have been through all the pumps, Jabsco, ShurFlo, Marco, one other popular one that I can't remember - I liked the Marco the (second) best, the variable speed and shutoff when it sensed no water - Until it quit pumping after a very short season. Seems the plastic gears wore just enough to not pull the water a one or two foot lift. So after much back and forth, they took it back.
Now I have a Johnson Variable Speed pump, and it is hands down the best pump I have owned for domestic water pumping.

[Jetx]

Originally Posted by Coltrek

Now I have a Johnson Variable Speed pump, and it is hands down the best pump I have owned for domestic water pumping.

Great to know. Do you recall what model Johnson VS pump you have?

[merrydolphin]

Have retrofitted 2 boats with VSD’s and have never had a problem. Loved them! Why did they discontinue? Full time living aboard and cruising each boat for over 8 yrs. Sold the boats with the pumps working as new.

[Coltrek]

Johnson, Model VPS 5.0, 12/24V

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by Coltrek

Johnson, Model VPS 5.0, 12/24V

The WPS 5 is the variable speed pump

https://www.keoghsmarine.com.au/john...329-104-133326

Originally Posted by Bowdrie

You must be jinxed.

Not at all

But there is a difference in usage between average Joe on a smallish yacht with limited water supply who only cruises a few months a year

And somone out 24/7 with near unlimited water and long pipe runs over multiple levels.

Whilst the pumps we have used (including the 24v Johnson WPS 5) are supposedly up to the job according to spec sheets , reality is they are not.