My 85 has factory installed auto and manual pumps. The automatic pump has a separate discharge hose that is run in parallel to the manual pump intake hose. The auto pump discharge hose Ts into the manual pump discharge line after looping up to a high point in the aft locker. The manual pump output will not go up the riser therefore not requiring a check valve.
There have been several discussions about using check valves on Rule pumps. For the manufactures thoughts on the subject, see http://www.rule-industries.com/rule/faq.asp Q: Can I install a check valve on the discharge of my bilge pump to keep water from running back through the pump? A: No. A check valve should NOT be installed in the discharge line. As submersible pumps create very little discharge pressure, they may not be able to overcome the resistance or weight of the column of water or weight of the check valve flapper or poppet itself. The pump may therefore have an airlocked condition. John ted glynn wrote: > I'm looking for advice on how to install an automatic bilge pump on my > 82 Catalina 27. I'm still a new sailboater, having had mine less than 2 > years now, so please forgive me if I use the wrong terms or don't > explain it well. > > My bilge is very dry and clean, but I worry about a leak when I'm not > around, so would like to have the automatic bilge on "stand by" when I'm > gone. I bought a Rule-Mate 500 automated bilge pump and 3-way lighted > panel switch. I think I can figure out the electrical part ok. > > My first though was that I could use the same hose from the bilge that > leads to the manual bilge pump in the compartment aft of the tiller and > somehow, via a system of Y or T fittings and check valves, use the same > thru-hull on the transom (which is above the water line). In other > words, both manual and automatic bilge pumps would be operational (sort > of "in parallel"), using largely the same hoses and thru-hull. > > My first choice would be to run a second hose out the aft of my bilge, > and have a totally redundant hose system, but there doesn't seem to be > much room for it. I also know check-valves can be trouble if they fail. > > I've kicked it around with other sailboaters on my dock without complete > agreement on whether it would work, or would one siphon the other, etc. > > Any advice, pictures, diagrams, etc. would be appreciated. > > Ted Glynn > Rayo de Luna > 1982 Catalina 27 standard rig > Jefferson Beach Marina, St. Clair Shores, MI >
