Info about bilge

[dogbert]

I spec'd my 09 RZ2 with two extra 1200gph bilge pumps partially for this reason (the other was paranoia of water over the bow).

Is there a difference in the lowest point in the hull underway between (i) even keel and (ii) leaned over under surf ballast? If so, is the difference significant (ie, several inches)?

Yes. My original pump was located on the starboard side in front of the V-Drive, but 5"-6" from center beam. If we're surfing on the port side, this location is out of the water (we lean it over so that we have water running over the rub rail). So, the listing does raise it out of the water, but while we're under way, any water will run to the back. So much so, that I can collect enough water for the belt/flywheels to start spraying it around the engine compartment.

[dogbert]

You discharge hose may not be routed properly. The hose should have a riser loop from the discharge outlet before going down to the pump. Our factory hose ran straight to the discharge outlet from the pump. Here's an article: http://www.yachtsurvey.com/bilge_pumps.htm

Good to know. I'll check mine. I'm pretty sure it doesn't have this based on what I've seen.

[Duncan]

Yes. My original pump was located on the starboard side in front of the V-Drive, but 5"-6" from center beam. If we're surfing on the port side, this location is out of the water (we lean it over so that we have water running over the rub rail). So, the listing does raise it out of the water, but while we're under way, any water will run to the back. So much so, that I can collect enough water for the belt/flywheels to start spraying it around the engine compartment.

Based on a reading of that most excellent article and your feedback above, perhaps three extra bilge pumps are warranted.

The article suggested a 3000-3500 GPH minimum capacity and also noted pumps are rated on horizontal push. By running a riser loop as high as possible, the spec GPH numbers will be reduced. I do not know capacity of the factory bilge. The extra two pumps provide an additional 2400 GPH (which is not "really" 2400).

So to accomplish (i) sufficient total capacity and (ii) provide effective pumping in even keel and listing perhaps: one pump goes midship near gas tank, one aft center near engine, and one each slightly higher aft port and starboard. The aft port/starboard would serve dual purpose of redundancy (see image from article below) and be the "primary" pump when listing in surf mode.

[dogbert]

3 is probably overkill, but if you do it, I'd just put the back-up pumps on the outer ends of the bilge as far back as you can get them.

[Jason B]

Somebody on here suggested just using Tsunami ballast pump. That sounds a whole lot easier than installing a back up.

[Waterski-Rebel]

Timmy was the one who used a Tsunami as an emergancy. After reading his thread I went out and purchased one. :-)

[dogbert]

Timmy was the one who used a Tsunami as an emergancy. After reading his thread I went out and purchased one. :-)

I have one as backup as well. In fact, I have both a Tsunami and a LaunchPad Uber pump.

That still doesn't address the water in the bilge issue.

[Waterski-Rebel]

If the boat's not moving, you can open up the hatch, and put the tsunami in the bilge to pump it out.

With the problems I have recently had trying to get my (bilge) pump working, this is how I have been testing it.