I finally got mine installed this weekend and everything works just fine, exactly as Dave had said. Thanks for the info. It saved me from going to a whole lot of extra trouble with Y's, check valves, etc.
From: "DaveBreski" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: catalina27-talk: Installing an automatic bilge pump while keeping the manual one operational
Date: Sun, 19 Feb 2006 08:47:32 -0500
Ted
I just attached the electric bilge pump on the end of the hose in the bilge that goes to the manual pump works just fine for me. I can still pump out using the manual pump and when the electric one runs it just goes through the manual pump.
Dave
C27 #5212
Windabout
Cape Cod, MA
http://dpbcc.home.comcast.net
From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of ted glynn
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 8:42 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: catalina27-talk: Installing an automatic bilge pump while keeping the manual one operational
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
