bilge hose and check valves

[anon]

I am going to be buying 1 1/8" and 1 1/2" hose for my bilge this weekend.
Pros and cons for the different types please.
Also, is there a definitive, (as definitive gets on a forum with many obviously very independent people), answer as to whether one should use a check valve or vented loop in the case of a bilge system?

[NewToTheRoad]

I went with the vented loop (under galley sink) this spring.  It has worked well all season.  I will be winterizing soon so I imagine I will just put some antifreeze in the bilge and run it through.  Installation was pretty straight forward (I'm an amatuer).  There is a wiki on it including parts needed but I can't find it.  Here is a post http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9076.msg65895.html#msg65895

So, i vote for the simplicity and safety of a vented loop.  I use a Rule 3700 and the cheap corrugated Trident 1.5" hose from defender.  Smooth is probably better for flow.

[Noah]

My two cents: corrugated smooth bore, no check valve and no vented loop required with our stern discharge location.

[KWKloeber]

Albie

If it's possible to get a high hose loop close by, then that's the best because backflow is minimal (no check valve.)  I don't have
that possibility, so I use a check valve BUT NOT an inline one on the manual pump -- VERY simple and is a Beckson foot valve on the end of my hose.  From Defender, I believe. 


I wouldn't recommend a CV on the electric pump (but admit that I have one and had no problems whatsoever.)



You can't go wrong with Shields MultiFlex bilge hose, which makes bends easily and is smooth bore and relatively inexpensive.

I would think about using 1-1/2 hose for both and reducing where necessary.  Decrease the velocity head loss in hose and pipe whenever you can.

ken

[Ron Hill]

 Here are my thoughts:

I'd go for a dripless packing/Gortex, smooth inside bilge pump hose and no check valve !!

[Jon W]

My 2 cents-

I used 1 1/8 and 1 1/2" Trident 147 hose for my Rule 1500 and 3700 respectively. They are centrifical pumps so sensitive to back pressure. The hoses have a smooth internal bore and smooth external surface. The smooth external surface works better with hose clamps. I removed all check valves from my bilge system and added vented/anti-siphon loops. The loops reduce run back when the pump shuts off. If you install gear pumps no need to worry about run back.

I have a hard to find write up on my entire project in the Tech WIKI for reference if interested. It's under the category "Leaks" then "Bilge" and titled 1987 MK 1 C34 adding a second bilge pump.

[Stu Jackson]

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I have a hard to find write up on my entire project in the Tech WIKI for reference if interested. It's under the category "Leaks" then "Bilge" and titled 1987 MK 1 C34 adding a second bilge pump.

That'd be:  http://c34.org/wikiwp/?rdp_we_resource=http%3A%2F%2Fc34.org%2Fwiki%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3D1987_MK_1_Catalina_34_Adding_A_2nd_Electric_Bilge_Pump

[Stu Jackson]

...........
...............

I have a hard to find write up on my entire project in the Tech WIKI for reference if interested. It's under the category "Leaks" then "Bilge" and titled 1987 MK 1 C34 adding a second bilge pump.

That'd be:  http://c34.org/wikiwp/?rdp_we_resource=http%3A%2F%2Fc34.org%2Fwiki%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3D1987_MK_1_Catalina_34_Adding_A_2nd_Electric_Bilge_Pump

Thanks again for that detailed contribution, Jon.

[KWKloeber]

hard to find
.

Jon

How about putting it under Plumbing > Bilge ?

[Jon W]

"Bilge" is under the "Leaks" category so put it there. I'd think Bilge would be at the top level like engine, fuel, electrical, galley, head, etc..

[KWKloeber]

Jon

Ya. I hear you.

The top level are what they are, decided long ago. So I try to fit within those as best i can do, using the top most level, asking myself, where would someone else look if trying to locate subject "x"?
Since these are really only links saved on a page anyway, I'll just paste the link into two places if it fits equally well.  Just a suggestion.

:-)

K

[anon]

Jon W. Thank you so very much for such a detailed, awesome document.
Incredibly helpful.
Thanks too for all the other contributions.

[britinusa]

Great Write Up!!!

We have a 2nd Manual Bilge Pump installed in the undersink locker in the bathroom, my understanding was that the PO had considered taking the boat on a Bermuda race and needed a second manual bilge pump that was accessible from inside a closed cabin.

Paul

[Noah]

Paul- I'd like to see a pic of that install and and how you pump handle.  Must be pretty croweded under there with shower faucet hoses, fuel filters, etc.?

[britinusa]

It is crowded.
I'll start a new thread when I get some pics - either Friday or Monday.

Paul