RAW WATER Plumbing Questions.

[Chessie246G]

Ok, so here is the plan. My 92 246 Explorer came with only the rear fuel tank. I have the front Aux tank, boat is pre-plumbed with inlet, vent and feed lines. (47 gal) but to install I'll need to move the raw water strainer from the forward access hatch to the rear bilge. It currently used for the port livewell and raw water washdown on a diverter valve. Moving it is no big deal. I have a guy for the fiberglass work. But my question is, long term, I plan to run 3 raw water pumps. 1 for port livewell, 1 for aft livewell (which is not yet plumbed) , and 1 for raw water wash down. Do I need 3 inlets (strainers)? Or can I run 3 pumps off 1, 3/4 inch inlet stainer? Or maybe 3 pumps off 2 inlets. How you you branch them off?? I was digging around trying to locate bronze tees but can not locate any. I prefer not to use plastic. Future upgrades but trying to plan everything out before I start cutting holes, and have to move things around for a second or third time. LOL!!

 

[Hookup1]

I would install two clamshell pickups and use the Rule 1100 cartridge pumps. They have a port for another pump that I use for my wash down pump.

I would recommend drilling three 3/8" holes in the clamshell pickups before you install them in the boat. This will reduce pressure on the pump to prevent premature failure.

https://www.amazon.com/Rule-Marine-Tournament-Livewell-Pump/dp/B000O8DBYA/ref=asc_df_B000O8DBYA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312114712708&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14893059518425938503&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011877&hvtargid=pla-569606890229&th=1

 

[Chessie246G]

I would install two clamshell pickups and use the Rule 1100 cartridge pumps. They have a port for another pump that I use for my wash down pump.

I would recommend drilling three 3/8" holes in the clamshell pickups before you install them in the boat. This will reduce pressure on the pump to prevent premature failure.

https://www.amazon.com/Rule-Marine-...y=9011877&hvtargid=pla-569606890229&th=1[/URL

http://

I'm planning on using the Groco clamshell pick ups. I assume you mean to drill a few extra holes in the bronze clamshell to increase water flow. ??

 

[Hookup1]

http://

I'm planning on using the Groco clamshell pick ups. I assume you mean to drill a few extra holes in the bronze clamshell to increase water flow. ??

The clamshells scoop up water and put pressure on the pump motor seals. It's a cheap seal and it could get into the motor. I have also had shafts break off at the impeller from turbulence. The holes let excess pressure out. I have also had pumps airlock when backing up hard while fishing. Great pumps and 3-year warranty from Rule/Xylem. Also West will extend the warranty on the motor for $10 and swap in the store.

Long story but I have probably had a dozen of these pumps. On winter in FL I blew 5 up in 5 weeks. But I worked with Rule to find a solution. They warranted the pumps. Some of my pumps failed because I sit on the bottom and suck fine sand up. Sometimes I pickup weed out on the water and stall the pump. I don't have any filters. Last year and so far this year the pumps are working well.

 

[Chessie246G]

The clamshells scoop up water and put pressure on the pump motor seals. It's a cheap seal and it could get into the motor. I have also had shafts break off at the impeller from turbulence. The holes let excess pressure out. I have also had pumps airlock when backing up hard while fishing. Great pumps and 3-year warranty from Rule/Xylem. Also West will extend the warranty on the motor for $10 and swap in the store.

Long story but I have probably had a dozen of these pumps. On winter in FL I blew 5 up in 5 weeks. But I worked with Rule to find a solution. They warranted the pumps. Some of my pumps failed because I sit on the bottom and suck fine sand up. Sometimes I pickup weed out on the water and stall the pump. I don't have any filters. Last year and so far this year the pumps are working well.

View attachment 24476

Totally understand. That makes total sense.

 

[glacierbaze]

Some GW's have 1 pick up, some have 2, even on the same model, so you may already have a mounting pad in the bilge, on the opposite side of the keel from the first. As Hookup said, the branch is built into the base of the pump, so you don't need tee's. With 2 pick ups and 2 Rule 1100's, you could have 4 outlets, but only 1 on each through hull will be pressurized, you have to attach a pump to the aux feeds on each pump.
In theory, I guess you could add the second 1100 to the aux feed on the first, and get your 3 outlets, but I don't know how many you could run at the same time, off a 3/4 through hull.

 

[Hookup1]

The Rule pumps can be run continuously to supply livewell. My washdown pump which runs intermittently is connected to the port on the base. I have one unused port on the other pump.

If you need 4 live well connections I would use 1" vinyl reinforced hose and a tee or a y-fitting and split each pump. For the large livewell dedicate one of the pump.

You know your application but I don't like storing that much water in my boat. My 15 gallon bait well is on the Eurotransom and the small on is factory behind the companion seat.