[C320-list] Bilge pump problem

[Robert E. Sloat]

I agree that the loud rude bilge pump on my boat is a good warning.  You can 
hear mine even when motoring.  I don't appreciate a similar acting fresh 
water pump.

On the bilge pump clogging issue, I had a minor stoppage of my bilge pump on 
hull 894 the first year it was commissioned new.  It turned out to be debris 
from construction which worked its way into the bilge when the rubber hose 
from the hot water tank that connects to the Whale lines came loose when 
motoring.  The steam and loud bilge pump certainly gave me a scare.

I installed a Jabsco in-line strainer (part no. 36200-0000) which has a 3/4" 
barb on the inlet to the bilge pumpa few inches above inlet in the bilge and 
have not had a problem since.

I don't know why Catalina doesn't install these on the bilge.  On the 
package for the stainer, Jabsco says the model is good for bilge pumps.  The 
strainer is a simple screw on bowl over a screen and seems to have little 
chance of allowing suction leaks.

On my boat Catalina puts this same strainer on the inlet to the 
shower/refrigerator drainage pump so it won't plug. I would rather have a 
flooded head when showering than a non-operating bilge pump.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Thompson" <sthompson at toad.net>
To: "C320-List" <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 21, 2006 8:34 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Bilge pump problem


> Personally I like having a loud bilge pump.  It doesn't run often, and 
> when it does, I want to be aware of it.  The water pump is another matter.
>
> Robert Seastream wrote:
>> In other related news, I've been considering replacing my OEM electric 
>> bilge pump with a Rule pump because it is LOUD.  Then again, so is the 
>> hot/cold water pressurizing pump.  Anyone else consider their electric 
>> pumps loud?
>>
>> Bob Seastream
>> 'Intuition', Hull 906
>>
>
>
>