[C320-list] Washdown pump install prep question(s)

[Utility Email]

I installed our wash down pump underneath the head sink, within the cabinet.  The inlet for this pump is the head sink drain hose.  I used a Tee in the line, since we keep the head sink through hull closed when we are not on the boat.  I also tapped the power from the head drain pump, since neither of these pumps will be on at the same time.  I mounted a switch with a pilot light on the backside of the head sump pump drain switch to keep it out of the way and to drill no holes into the head cabinet.  I mounted the wash down pump motor within the head sink cabinet, up high, onto the rear bulkhead between the sink cabinet and the aft stateroom hanging locker.  

I used PEX line to run the outlet hose to the anchor locker and installed a Jabsco Wash down Pump fitting in our anchor locker.  I use a coiled hose with a spray nozzle to plug into this deck fitting within the anchor locker.  The nice think about this set up is that I can use saltwater (SW) or freshwater (FW) within the system.  If I want SW, I just use the wash down pump normally with the head sink drain valve open.  If I want FW, I close the head sink drain and just fill the head sink with FW.  
For our wash down pump usage, I use SW to basically rinse the grime off the anchor, crab pots, boat, etc., then finish with a FW rinse to clean off the SW and also ensure that FW is what remains in the wash down pump supply line.  It works great for cleaning the boat from salty spray from a passage while at a mooring or anchor.

A very elegant approach.

Dave

S/V Emily Ann
2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107
Mukilteo, Washington

David B. Swanson, P.E., S.E.
Principal, LEED AP, F. SEI
Director, Structural Engineering

Reid Middleton, Inc.
(425) 741-3800 office
(425) 741-5011 direct
(425) 508-7971 mobile

www.reidmiddleton.com

> On May 22, 2017, at 3:46 AM, Scott Westwood <scottwestwood at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 
> The admiral has approved installing a washdown pump since the cheap "drop-over-the-side" one just quit.  I have most of it planned out but have some questions.  Have a week long trip planned in June so I need to get cracking.
> I am not near the boat but...
> 1. I saw a thread for this (Jeff's??) that some have tied into the head sink thru-hull?  I like the Y-valve idea but can't yet find where to buy one?    
> 2. What about siphoning?  Any concerns I need to consider?  Check-valve?          a. I am thinking about installing it behind batteries like Jeff did.  Out of the way but easy to get to if needed/maintain.  Is that above water line?
>         b. Need a siphon loop from Y-valve to strainer?
> 3. I saw Jim tied his to the macerator pump thru-hull but mine is still connected.  How do you avoid "junk" getting sucked up if you had both tied together (with y-valve??)  Last thing I want to do is have "any" waste coming out onto the deck.  Not matter how little..  Not likely option for now since mine is still connected.
> 
> I'm leaning to the head sink drain with Y-valve so you can flush the line with fresh water  Is running water in sink enough supply flow to rinse the lines??  You can, of course, fill the bowl to start.....
> Rough plan so far:1. Y valve to sink drain thu-hull2. Mount strainer then pump with built in pressure switch behind batteries in Starboard Settee3. Tie "fused" power to windlass power.  I don't use the windlass much (if at all) and no need for breaker.4. Mount hose fitting in "split" anchor locker with short folding hose.  This will allow me to change to longer hose if I want.  I prefer single self-folding/short hose (Maybe 10 ft).  80-90 percent of the time this will be for anchor washdown.  If boat gets hot (and I want to wash rest of boat down) I can get out the long hose.5. Any comments on using pump with built in pressure switch or pump with separate pressure switch?  Single point of failure?  Reliable enough so not an issue? 
> Open to any input others might share. 
>  
> 
> Thanks,
> Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538     C (919)-618-7185