Dry Bilge Solution?

YYZRC

$400 isn't cheap, but...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=tKFqp3Whonc&feature=emb_logo

skennelly

Just find that type of pump.  You don't need all those sensors for sucking the residual water out of the bilge.  Just rig a switch to it.

YYZRC

It's just a sea flo diaphragm pump, about $50.

J3ff

Wonder where they got the pickup design from.. tempted to get this even though I have a home made one half way done. 

aero3113

Been thinking about installing a pump like this (no auto function though). I would hook it up to my swim light switch since it’s not being used and the connector is right at the transom. I think I would splice the discharge right into the bilge pump hose to go overboard.

Liberty44140

I think it is a very cool system. Simple yet effective. I dont know that it's worth $400 so I wont be a customer, but if I were out of upgrades and looking for a project this could be on the list

J3ff

Seems like a simple micro processor for the controller. Really don't need a controller like you said Aero...but does have me thinking about looking for a 3d printable design for the pickup... or just making one myself.. could 3d print a bunch for people here if someone has one. 

aero3113

I would use it for my oil changes too. Just hook up dedicated hoses for oil.

reneechris14

I have tried to use this pump and cylinder type pump on oil and gear lube no luck do work good on fuel and water.

reneechris14

Wanted a pump to do my outdrive lube I hate pump that little pump by hand for 20 minutes.

YYZRC

J3ff said:

Seems like a simple micro processor for the controller. Really don't need a controller like you said Aero...but does have me thinking about looking for a 3d printable design for the pickup... or just making one myself.. could 3d print a bunch for people here if someone has one. 

I’m in if you design a pick-up shoe!

skennelly

This has me thinking..so I ordered a pump and came up with a pickup idea with stuff I have laying around.







The sponge Im thinking will suck up residual water to allow the pump to suck it dry.  Going to try it out.

J3ff

Genius. Let us know if that works!

skennelly

Pump is supposed to arrive today.  Might be able to bench test it tonight or tomorrow.

Dream_Inn

I have had a hose into my bilge for several years now and just use a brass npt end back in the little dip by drain plug. Never been any issues and works well.  I don't get much water in bilge anymore but it works well after I clean the bilge to get that last bit out.  I also have a built in filter, like what is in the fresh water line.  You guys are over thinking this.😁

skennelly

@Dream_Inn - what else is there to do?  I like thinking.

Dream_Inn

@skennelly I agree, always fun to think up some things!  I'll be curious if that sponge starts to get a stanky smell. I guess adding fresh water in there once in a while may help.

YYZRC

https://youtu.be/mEFCPYiqdbg

skennelly

@Dream_Inn - definitely a first prototype...LOL might now work at all.  Sponge will probably fall a part over time too

Pat310

I like it. Maybe lose the sponge and just use a scotchbrite pad. Will get the pickup lower and will dry out better???

skennelly

@Pat310 @J3ff

So I tried it out.  In my prototype the sponge caused the pickup to create a ton of suction,. but so much suction that it hurt the water flow as the pickup was being sucked against the bottom of the bilge.  I removed the sponge completely and the pump seemed to clear the water quickly leaving nothing behind.

I also want to play with the idea of a rigid tube mounted at the rear of the motor going into the lowest part of the bilge and see how that works.

Dream_Inn

skennelly said:

I also want to play with the idea of a rigid tube mounted at the rear of the motor going into the lowest part of the bilge and see how that works.

That is exactly what I have and it was worked very well.  I actually have it in the little dip at the drain plug.  You may want some type of inline filter too.

aero3113

Not bad for $29.95, should easily pump water.

Geelyda Oil Change Pump 12v 60w Fluid Diesel Fuel Extractor Suction Transfer Pump for 5L Boat Car Motorbike Transfer Pump Change Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CNYWQGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_m3YfFb8AWP91V

davidbrooks

You all are getting close to reinventing this https://www.homedepot.com/p/ECO-FLO-1-12-HP-Transfer-Pump-DC-with-Water-VAC-PUP61DC/207061358

YYZRC

Do you guys open your hatch every time you boat? I don’t want to be down there unless something is broken so the auto function is everything. Especially with leaky steering pin(s). 

aero3113

I open the hatch at least once before the next trip to look things over, usually not on the day we leave.

rasbury

I was looking for something like that @davidbrooks and ended up with a manual pump...look like that would be the way to go to get that last bit of water out...

davidbrooks

I open the hatch about 80% of the time. Check fluids, look over everything and look at the bilge level. I keep a small shopvac on board to get what the sump cant. I like the idea you guys have but to be honest i feel it will keep getting clogged. Even though i am on a lift i will get water in the bilge all the time. Either comes from rain, wash downs or other.

YYZRC

I also have a great DeWalt cordless shop vac that’s perfect for the bilge but still a PITA. I tend to check fluids upon return to the marina rather than before departing. Always in a rush to get going!

davidbrooks

@YYZRC i always leave the house a few hours before everyone else so i can uncover, clean and check things out. Then sit and relax for a few before the family show up. 

J3ff

davidbrooks said:

You all are getting close to reinventing this https://www.homedepot.com/p/ECO-FLO-1-12-HP-Transfer-Pump-DC-with-Water-VAC-PUP61DC/207061358

Wish I could see the inside of that pickup design, would be super easy to make one on tinkercad.com and print it out!