Bilge Pump(s)

I have a 17’6″ alumacraft, I phoned the mfr and found I have a 500 GPH manual bilge pump. Never had to use it as of yet so I don’t even know if it works..I assume it does but, Has anyone here added additional bilge pumps. I want to add an automatic for safety, and I may go as big as 1200 GPH or so…Is that big enough ??
What would you recommend and can you get black through hull fittings, I see Cabelas has fittings but they look white in color. Thanks for your input.
-Satch

Satch,

If you never have had to use your existing pump what do you plan on doing that would deem adding another one?

I like the idea of having an automatic and wish boat builders would make it standard equip. In the past I have swapped out a manual for an automatic bilge. Due to limited space it would have been difficult to just add a float switch to my existing manual pump.

It looks like you could upgrade to a 750 GPH automatic pump

using your existing outlet and thru hull connector. (3/4″)

You also wouldn’t have to add an additional switch.

Going from a 500 manual to a 750 auto. would be the way to go especially if you have never had to use your bilge.

If you have room for a backup I would still stick with the 750 auto. You’d only have to drill a 3/4″ or smaller hole thru the hull. I suppose you could wire the auto. to just work in the auto mode and not have it switched to operate it manually.

By the way, your not a meteorologist trying to tell us something are you?

Good Luck,

dandorn

I think I could do a better job guessing at the weather than a meteoroligist..Ha Ha.
A guy I work with, his Dad and buddies were out on Lake Mich last year in an open bow boat, it got rough, they ended up taking a water over the bow. Turned on the bilge and either it didn’t work or quit working, they took more water eventually the boat got sooo heavy they finally speared a wave, that was it-sunk. Fortunately they were rescued by the Coast Guard. I guess I’m thinking if I get lots of unforseen water in the boat I’m not sure you can have a pump big enough. I do go on Lake Mich a half dozen times a year and will give Erie a try this year. I haven’t checked if I have the room for another pump, boats still in storage-but if I remember correctly I think I did have room…..
-Satch

If your boat sits very long your bilge pump and your livewell pump can freeze up. It is pretty easy to take the top off and break the propellar loose if it is stuck from dirt dried on it. I will drop some water in the bilge to make sure it works. Do this at home before you leave for the water. Another fellow gave me this advise so I am passing it on. Good fishing!

I’d be aweful surprised if you can’t fit another bilge in a 17.6 boat, there has to be room! Even if it is mounted further forward than a traditional pump. If it is only for back up then having it a few feet forward would be just fine.

I’d say to go full out and get yourself a 1200 GPH. Your talking about piece of mind. If you go to somethign smaller than you originally figured you might always second guess yourself. Be sure that whatever size you choose that you also use the correct I.D. plumbing to make use of the pumps ability.

I have an automatic bilge (via float switch) and will not have it anyother way. My boat is older and needs the livewell lines replaced. In the meatime they let water into the hull. Combine that with rain when on a several day trip and it is easy to get a lot of water in the boat. With the auto matic bilge the little bugger is down there all night making sure my rig is still floating in the morning. Maybe this is the year I replace those pesky livewell lines. When I do get around to it I will be installing a larger bilge pump too. It just seems a good idea.