Bilge Pump Size - Why so small?

[SwiftCloud]

My 258 has a pair (one in the stern and one mid-ship) of 1300 gal/hour pumps. Fortunately, I have not had much water down there, but was wondering why the pumps are relatively small compared to what I see available from Rule (for example 2000 gal/hour is a 50% boost).

Are there obstacles (aside from through hull fittings size) that should be taken into consideration before upgrading to a larger size?

Thanks.

 

[catch22]

I agree. I think they're too small.
What is your hose size? You can go with a 2000 gph Rule pump using 1 1/8" hose.
I just swapped out an 1100 gph to a 1500 Rule on a Seafarer.
The original wiring should be ok, but you want to check the fuse size. Might need to increase it a couple of amps.
Not sure about the float switch, you may need to go with their "super switch" model.

Here's a link for rule pumps;
http://www.rule-industries.com/products ... /index.htm

I like this pump, (scroll down) Rule-mate 1500. Has a self contained float switch. Not sure about the 2000 model.
http://www.rule-industries.com/products ... /index.htm

 

[jdsmith]

Two factors to keep in mind when installing bildge pumps. Total distance water is carried from pump to exit port and the height difference between pump location and exit port height. Mfg. ratings are based on a pump pushing water on a level plane. A 2000 gph pump would pump less than that with a normal set up.

 

[gradyfish22]

If you have that much water in the boat that you really need that large of a pump, then you are probably in a bit of trouble. I agree they could go a little bigger, but if you had that much water that you need that big of a pump, your boat will likely be experience a bit of damage. Most bilge pumps are used to just clear water from a bilge under normal conditions, or slightly extreme conditions to be safe, if the bilge is filling that quickly, the size of your pump will likely not matter. I also swapped out my pumps on my 22' Seafarer a few years back. I ran them until they were a little older, and when I felt they needed replacement I went with a bigger one. No real need to do it until they need to be replaced.

 

[okletsfish]

Last summer I replaced my live well and bilge pumps.On my bilge pump I went with a Rule 2000 gph and it had a 3/4" fitting .My oridginal pump was an 1100 gph.

 

[BobP]

Why so big?

Most Gradys drain nothing into bilge !

 

[okletsfish]

That particular model was on sale and it was only a few bucks extra.I really didn`t need one that large because my boat lives on a trailer beside my house with the drain plug out. :wink:

 

[BobP]

No Rule bilge pump rated 2000 GPH in any catalog I have is ported less than 1- 1/8 in. Even the 1000 GPH is 1- 1/8 inch.

What catalog did you find yours in?

 

[okletsfish]

I got mine at a West Marine Store .At the time I was wondering how that pump could push that much water out of a 3/4" hole.I would go out and see if I could see the pump and get the model #,but I just had my rotator cuff repaired Tuesday so I`m not about to do that.

 

[Grog]

33 GPM is a lot for a 3/4" hose plus the added load on the motor will fry it, the wiring or the switch since you might have #12 wire at best. It'll take roughly 1 1/2 HP and at 12V you're looking at 120 amps.

 

[okletsfish]

At the time I was concerned about the gage of the wire and called GW and told em what I was doing .They said the wiring would handle it ,but to get a breaker with 5 more amps .I think I went from a 5 to 10.The next time my son drops by I will send him out there with a digital camera and see if he can get a picture of it.