Helena Frye
A bilge pump is an essential safety feature for boats, helping to keep them clean, drained, and seaworthy. In this article, we will discuss the process of installing a bilge pump in a fiberglass boat, covering topics such as cleaning and preparing the bilge area, choosing the best fastening point, mounting the pump, drilling holes, attaching hoses, and wiring the pump. We will also explore the importance of maintaining your bilge pump and provide insights into common issues that can cause pump failure. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your boat remains in pristine condition and avoid potential problems caused by water buildup.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the bilge pump for installation
Next, you should mark the waterline of your boat. This will be useful when positioning the discharge for the bilge system to ensure it remains above the waterline and doesn't bring in water during surges and waves. It is also important to pre-measure the length of the hose needed to avoid any excess or bending, which can reduce the flow rate. Smooth hoses with minimal bends are ideal for optimal efficiency.
Before mounting the pump, it is crucial to find the best fastening point. The pump should be positioned as low as possible, and you should consider using a bracket or base to avoid drilling directly into the hull. Drilling pilot holes first is a good practice to verify the correct position and avoid any mistakes. If using screws, coat them with duralac, especially if your boat is made of aluminium, to prevent corrosion.
Some people choose to secure the pump with adhesives like marine epoxy, silicone caulk, or 5200, which provides a strong bond. Others prefer to use a mounting plate or a block of marine ply, which can make it easier to change the pump later. It is recommended to have at least two bilge pumps in major areas, such as the bottom of engine compartments, for added safety and easier maintenance.
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Attaching the pump to the hull
Firstly, identify the best fastening point for your bilge pump. It is recommended to position the pump as low as possible, ensuring that the outlet faces the direction in which the hose will run. This step is important to ensure the optimal functioning of the pump and the overall bilge pumping system.
Next, you'll want to avoid drilling directly into the hull. This can be achieved by mounting the pump on a plate or a piece of wood, or a block of marine ply. If using a plate or wood, drill pilot holes first and then drill the screw holes. You can then screw the base into position. For aluminium boats, remember to coat the screws with duralac to prevent corrosion. Alternatively, you can use a strong adhesive like marine epoxy, 5200, or even plain silicone caulk to secure the pump to the mounting base.
If you prefer a more permanent solution, you can create an L-shaped bracket out of stainless steel and screw it into a stringer. This provides easy access to the screws and ensures the pump is securely attached to the hull.
It is important to note that some people choose not to attach their bilge pumps directly to the hull. This is done to facilitate easier cleaning and maintenance of the pump. However, an unattached pump can be problematic if it has a float and is not sitting upright or moves from the deepest point.
Before attaching the pump, ensure that the bilge area is clean and dry. This is crucial to prevent pump failure due to foreign objects or gunk jamming the pump or affecting its performance. A clean and dry mounting area will help ensure the long-term effectiveness of your bilge pump.
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Drilling the discharge hole
Firstly, it is essential to locate the discharge hole above the waterline. This positioning ensures that the bilge pump can effectively remove water without taking in water during surges and waves. Marking the waterline beforehand is helpful for determining the appropriate height for the discharge.
The next step is to measure and re-measure the location for the hole. This meticulous step is crucial as it ensures the hole is drilled in the desired location and prevents accidental drilling below the waterline. Once confident in the measurements, drill a small pilot hole to verify the positioning. This pilot hole serves as a test run and can be easily fixed if any mistakes are made.
After confirming the pilot hole's accuracy, it's time to drill the full-sized hole. Using a hole saw, cut a 2.5-inch hole through the fibreglass hull. This process may take some time and effort due to the thickness of the hull, but perseverance is key. Once the hole saw punctures the hull, light will shine through, indicating success.
Now it's time to install the through-hull fitting. Apply a liberal amount of bedding compound to the flange of the fitting and the threads. This compound ensures a secure and watertight seal. The excess compound oozing out from the circumference indicates proper distribution and dispersion.
Finally, remove the backing nut from the skin fitting and coat the fitting with Sikaflex. Install the coated fitting into the hole and secure it by tightening the backing nut inside the boat. This completes the installation of the discharge hole, providing an outlet for the bilge pump to expel water overboard.
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Connecting the wires and hoses
Firstly, ensure that the bilge area is clean and dry. This is important as a build-up of gunk, leaves, oily crud, or sand can cause issues with the pump's functioning. It is best to do this when the boat is blocked up on dry land, so you can thoroughly clean the bilge and allow the area to dry completely.
Next, you will need to feed the pre-measured hose through to the desired location. It is important to keep the hose as straight as possible to maximise the flow rate. Use a hose clip to secure the hose to the pump outlet and tighten it with a hose clip.
Now, we will move on to connecting the wires. First, crimp a ring connector to the negative wire and attach it to the negative terminal on the battery. Then, take the positive cable and slide heatshrink over it. This cable will run from the switch panel to the bilge pump. Crimp the positive cable from the bilge pump to the positive cable using a duraseal connector, and then shrink it with a heat gun. To reinforce the seal, slide the heatshrink over the duraseal connector and apply heat again with the heat gun. Finally, crimp a spade connector to the positive cable and feed it up the transom, following the bilge pump hose to keep it neat.
Before launching your boat, it is important to test the pump. Put the boat's plugs in and fill the bilge with a hose until the automatic switch turns on. Then, test the pump with a three-way switch.
It is worth noting that the approach to the discharge fitting will depend on the boat's materials. If your boat already has a discharge system in place, you may be replacing an existing bilge pump. Additionally, some people choose not to attach their pumps to anything, allowing them to pull up the hose and wiring for easier cleaning and maintenance.
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Testing the bilge pump
Step 1: Prepare the Boat
Before testing, ensure your boat is blocked up on dry land. This makes it easier to observe the bilge pump's performance without the risk of water intrusion. Place the boat in a dry location and mark the waterline to help determine the discharge location for the bilge system.
Step 2: Clean and Inspect the Bilge Area
Use an effective boat bilge cleaner to thoroughly clean the bilge area. Remove any bilge gunk, leaves, oily crud, or sand that could potentially clog the pump or affect its performance. After cleaning, allow the bilge area to dry completely.
Step 3: Initial Pump Test
With the boat's plug(s) in place, fill the bilge with water using a hose. Observe if the automatic switch activates the pump as intended. Ensure that the pump can remove water efficiently and that there are no leaks or blockages in the system.
Step 4: Test with the Three-Way Switch
Once the initial test is successful, proceed to test the bilge pump with the three-way switch. This switch should be wired to a fused or breaker power connection at the helm, following the manufacturer's recommendations for amperage. Test both the “on” and “automatic” positions to ensure the pump functions correctly in each mode.
Step 5: Final Checks
After successful testing, perform final checks to ensure the bilge pump installation meets all requirements. Inspect the hose configuration to ensure it is as straight as possible to maximize flow rate. Confirm that the discharge hole is located above the waterline to prevent water intrusion during surges and waves.
Remember to regularly maintain and inspect your bilge pump to keep your boat in optimal condition. This includes cleaning the bilge area, checking for any debris or blockages, and ensuring that all components are securely fastened and functioning correctly.
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Frequently asked questions
First, find the best fastening point for your bilge pump, positioning it as low as possible. Next, mount the pump on a plate or a piece of wood to avoid drilling into the hull. Drill pilot holes and then drill your screw holes. Screw the base into position.
Use a bracket or base to avoid drilling directly into the hull. If you are using screws, coat them with duralac if your boat is aluminium.
Marine epoxy or 5200 are both good options for securing a bilge pump without screwing it into the hull.
Measure multiple times to ensure the hole is in the correct place. Drill a small pilot hole first to verify the position. Then, drill a 2.5-inch hole for the through-hull fitting.
