I'm looking for advice on how to install an automatic bilge pump on my 82 Catalina 27. I'm still a new sailboater, having had mine less than 2 years now, so please forgive me if I use the wrong terms or don't explain it well.
My bilge is very dry and clean, but I worry about a leak when I'm not around, so would like to have the automatic bilge on "stand by" when I'm gone. I bought a Rule-Mate 500 automated bilge pump and 3-way lighted panel switch. I think I can figure out the electrical part ok.
My first though was that I could use the same hose from the bilge that leads to the manual bilge pump in the compartment aft of the tiller and somehow, via a system of Y or T fittings and check valves, use the same thru-hull on the transom (which is above the water line). In other words, both manual and automatic bilge pumps would be operational (sort of "in parallel"), using largely the same hoses and thru-hull.
My first choice would be to run a second hose out the aft of my bilge, and have a totally redundant hose system, but there doesn't seem to be much room for it. I also know check-valves can be trouble if they fail.
I've kicked it around with other sailboaters on my dock without complete agreement on whether it would work, or would one siphon the other, etc.
Any advice, pictures, diagrams, etc. would be appreciated.
Ted Glynn
Rayo de Luna
1982 Catalina 27 standard rig
Jefferson Beach Marina, St. Clair Shores, MI
