Opinions needed: What is BEST handheld bilge pump?

[HomePort]

For regular clearing of the "normal" bilge water AND for hail mary, last-resort, nothing left to do but pump and pray use.

Opinions?

- HomePort

 

[Creekwood]

For a 420 DB???

 

[Rxflyer]

As for routine little cleanups, I use the smallest (2.5 gal) Shop-Vac. I don't know what 'normal' amounts of bilge water are...any in my bilges is just not right. Regarding the final line of defense, I'll depend on the red emergency button on my VHF, and worry about getting everyone off safely, not working on that final heart attack trying to supplement the bilge pumps...

 

[HomePort]

Yes, I have a 420DB. I'm obsessive about any water in the bilge and have been using a large sponge to soak up the extra water and it just takes too long. I am looking for a good quality hand pump that will help speed up the process.

- Port

 

[quality time]

First question I'd ask is where is the water coming from? Water in the bilge on a boat of this size is not "normal".

 

[330DA]

I have used my dipstick oil change manual vac/extractor (used for oil changes) for those small clean-ups. The long tubes can get in to tight places. I use it after the engines have been winterized and there is water in the bilge. You can get a lot out with those things.

 

[HomePort]

Oh, that's a good idea. Thank you.

 

[HomePort]

Well, I had a very rough run down the northern part of the New Jersey coast. I was moving the boat from NY to the Chesapeake) and I had water everywhere. That's when I picked it up. I think it just got in through the hatch on the cockpit. I don't think it's getting in any other way. I certainly hope not.

 

[rondds]

For those last few drops a shop vac is best and takes seconds. Sponge works but it's painstaking.

 

[Big Island Lifer]

Has anyone ever thought of using a diaphragm type pump instead of the standard bilge pumps? You could hook it up to a float switch.

The off shore guys use them for their fish boxes as they are almost impossible to clog and can move a lot of water/ material in a hurry.



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[skolbe]

I bought extensions for the shop vac and I can get pretty much anywhere in the bilge after I clean it or after I winterize it. Otherwise it stays dry.

 

[Alex F]

Michael,

I always keep this pump aboard (in the dinghy's underseat storage): http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50633&classNum=50636#.UN0t-OxiGR0

It has several purposes:
1. It's a "bail out bucket" for my dinghy, one of necessary items to pass the CG inspection.
2. I can use it in tight spots and make the extraction process faster than using a sponge.
3. I use it to clean seastrainers, mostly during winterizing process.

I have a small issue with rain water making it's way in to the bilge. It's not a big deal b/c it's very small amount and it only happens during heavy rain. Since summer T-storms is a frequent occasion, I have one of these pumps mounted at the lowest level next to the bilge pumps: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50633&classNum=50634#.UN0u9-xiGR0

I have two clips on the wires and a short hose. When I need to extract the water I clip the clips on the closest (most right stbd) battery and fill 1 gallon bucket. It's not most sophisticated setup, put it makes my job fast and simple.

 

[HomePort]

Michael,

I always keep this pump aboard (in the dinghy's underseat storage): http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50633&classNum=50636#.UN0t-OxiGR0

It has several purposes:
1. It's a "bail out bucket" for my dinghy, one of necessary items to pass the CG inspection.
2. I can use it in tight spots and make the extraction process faster than using a sponge.
3. I use it to clean seastrainers, mostly during winterizing process.

I have a small issue with rain water making it's way in to the bilge. It's not a big deal b/c it's very small amount and it only happens during heavy rain. Since summer T-storms is a frequent occasion, I have one of these pumps mounted at the lowest level next to the bilge pumps: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50633&classNum=50634#.UN0u9-xiGR0

I have two clips on the wires and a short hose. When I need to extract the water I clip the clips on the closest (most right stbd) battery and fill 1 gallon bucket. It's not most sophisticated setup, put it makes my job fast and simple.

Once again, Alex, you come through with the goods. Thank you!

 

[Mikemapva]

I also have the one that Alex linked to above and it works great.

Mike

 

[1956olds]

Theres also the charge and flow pump ,i think west marine carries.its a hose with a rechargeable pump in it .It has a smaller diamiter than a shop vac or hand pump and its quick with little effort or clumseyness.

 

[KC_Sundancer]

Michael,

I always keep this pump aboard (in the dinghy's underseat storage): http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50633&classNum=50636#.UN0t-OxiGR0

It has several purposes:
1. It's a "bail out bucket" for my dinghy, one of necessary items to pass the CG inspection.
2. I can use it in tight spots and make the extraction process faster than using a sponge.
3. I use it to clean seastrainers, mostly during winterizing process.

We also use the same manual back-up pump for the same reasons and god forbid an emergency. We were also required to carry that same type of pump as mandatory equipment on board our race boat.

 

[northern]

I use shop vac to get final water out. I am on second one. First failed after 3 years. Salt water rusted motor out. I assume it was the salt water vapour. A couple of times a year I spray WD40 in air flow passage when it is off and unpluged. After a day I turn on and some WD40 vapour comes out. The intent is to coat the internals with oil. I figure the volitiles in the oil will have evapourated in 24 hours. I do this on the dock so if any thing happens I can throw it in the water.