Bilge Pump Setup

[theorifice]

I've been inspecting various systems on the boat and noted that the central bilge pump (near the middle of the boat) setup looks a little janky. I think I understand how this is supposed to work but is this normal? I would think an open container would be ineffective to actually contain liquids.

PXL_20221005_035746010.jpg

PXL_20221005_035738552.jpg

What would you do?

[Midnightsun]

Looks like a home made shower sump with an external pump to evacuate. Normally this is what they look like off the shelf.

https://www.amazon.ca/XMSound-750GPH-Marine-Shower-System/dp/B08YQD52F8/ref=lp_2438577011_1_1?sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D

[km1125]

That's the shower sump and pretty much the way they made them in the 80's. You HVAC condensation lines might also drain into there, along with maybe a sink too.

They can work pretty good and the pump can be disassembled and cleaned if it's not working well. They are pretty reliable with the Rule float switch, but you can get debris in there that will keep the switch from moving.

[Viper]

ya that's the original shower sump of that vintage. The pump the external one (PAR) right next to it. No lid means any stagnant water/scum in there will smell up the place. I had two of those and replaced them with modern units.

Don't know what the cut off hose is from on the seacock that's closed at the bottom of the last pic but if it's out of service, an open hose is a no no. You need to cap off the seacock with a proper fitting. At least it looks like a cut off hose.

[ColRon]

Yep, that is the original shower sump. The 88 Santego 3067 I used to own had the same set up. the HVAC condensation also drains there. I had two pumps mounted in this area also. one pump was for the shower sump and the other was the water feed for the HVAC.

You should have two bilge pumps. one is under the seat on the port side beside you sliding door. Under the seat inside the storage compartment is a false bottom. Lift that out and you should see a bilge pumped down in there. it quite a way down. The other should be in your engine room.

[dgreene]

I had the same setup in my 1988 Mariner 3697. I replaced mine with a Rule 98B shower drain kit. Required a little plumbing and was a bit of a challenge working in that area, but I’m happy with the result.

Rule Industries White Standard 98B Shower Drain Kit 800 GPH 12V https://a.co/d/bi0GJtx