For my 2 cents...
We are on a mooring, so neither dehumidifier nor shop vac are good options for us. I use a self-priming utility pump with a hose on the intake that I can move around. It reaches all the main compartments, works when the boat is heeled, and sucks the bilge much drier than a conventional bilge pump. I can get the bilge almost completely dry...no more than a spongeful or two left when I'm done.
Regarding the question of low outlets...this is a big deal. Ideally, the outlet should be above the waterline even when the boat is heeled for exactly the reason described. When a hose or valve fails, it should not flood. Actually, the thru-hull should have a seacock on it like any other thru-hull that is potentially below the waterline (no, I don't have this, but it's on my list). Of course, the problem with a high outlet (aside from being ugly) is the backflow when you stop pumping. One solution is a check valve. Most installers do not recommend them on bilge pumps because they add friction to the system that makes it harder to pump out. I mount my pump a bit higher than the bottom of the exit hose, so any backflow stays in the hose and doesn't go back into the bilge.
In sum, I have my system as follows: pump is under port v-berth against hanging locker; flexible intake hose coils up in the hanging locker; thru-hull is high in the back of the locker (it's still below waterline sometimes on starboard tack) exit hose goes from pump thru the bulkhead then up to the thru-hull; I have a small inspection hatch in the bunk to allow access to the pump; pump is wired through the panel, not directly to the battery. I have an in-line filter on the intake that is mounted on the inside of the hanging locker where it is easy to get at for cleaning. I've opted to stay with the exit in the middle of the boat for two reasons: 1. its different than the backup guzzler minimizing the risk of both failing in a collision or such and 2: its a shorter run from the pump to the outlet.
BTW, we had a traditional bilge pump with float switch. I didn't care for it and was worried that it would cycle on an off too much with the boat rolling around on the mooring in a storm and drain the battery.
-Kelly
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-olson911@sailpix.com [mailto:owner-olson911@sailpix.com] On
Behalf Of nrmartin@pacificcoast.net
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 8:54 PM
To: Schaefer, Klaus
Cc: Derek Reijnen; Jon E; olson911@SailPix.com
Subject: RE: automatic bilge pump outlet
Quoting "Schaefer, Klaus" <Klaus.Schaefer@mercer.com>:
HI OLSON 911 GANG
I USE A SMALL WET DRY VAC TO REMOVE WATER BEFORE LEAVING THE DOCK.
EVEN THIS DOES NOT GET ALL THE WATER. DUE TO THE SECTIONED BIDGE A SMALL
PUMP MAY RUN DRY LONG BEFORE THE WATER IS GONE.
ON THE OUTLET FOR THE PUMP UPWARD BEND BEFORE THE OUTLET WILL STOP AND BACK
WASH. DO CHECK THE ORIGINAL PUMP HOSES AS THEY CAN BREAK DOWN IN THE HOT
ENCLOSED SPACE IF YOU TIE WITH STERN TIED TOWARDS THE SUN. DON'T LAUGH WE
TOOK ON 12 GALLONS OF WATER ONE MORNING POWERING TO A START WHEN THE BILDGE
PUMP HOSE SPLIT.
HOPE THIS HELPS NIGEL
> I have found a handpump to be much the best. My boat has a panel that
> conveniently lifts up to give me access. Before every sail, I
> handpump it dry. After a while, like brushing your teeth, you don't
> think about it anymore.
>
> I'm pretty sure that no electric pump exists that will get the water
> low enough. Keeping the bilge water low is essential, at least for
> me, because otherwise when heeling a lot it flows through wire holes into
the lockers.
>
> My mast leaking is pretty minimal since I taped up the access points
> along the mast. I can get the collar reasonably tight with plastic
> wrap, with a conventional boot on top to protect the plastic wrap. If
> I didn't have a Sailcomp with a wire running down the outside of the
> mast and into the boat at the collar, I'm pretty sure I could get it
watertight there.
>
> Klaus Schaefer
> Jersey Girl
> Lake Ontario
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-olson911@sailpix.com on behalf of Derek Reijnen
> Sent: Mon 14/05/2007 6:43 PM
> To: Jon E; olson911@SailPix.com
> Cc:
> Subject: RE: automatic bilge pump outlet
>
>
>
> I have the same issue. Since it rains often in Seattle, I've got
loads
> of rainwater coming through the mast and into the bilge, with only a
> manual pump to get rid of it. I keep wondering if any 911 owner has
> found an electrical automatic pump small enough to fit in the
shallow
> bilge, but robust enough not to just clog up. Since the bilge is
also
> compartmentalized, getting all the water out without resorting to
> lifting the floor is quite difficult. The result in my case is
there's
> almost always water sloshing in and around the bilge and floors when
> sailing.
>
> And while I'm on the subject of water, anyone find a truly effective
way
> to keep rain water from coming through the mast? I can't believe how
> much water comes in. I've tried various collar solutions at the
deck
> (Mast-Tight, waterproof tapes, etc.) but nothing seems to stem the
flow
> - much of which I suspect is getting into the mast above the deck,
> particularly at the masthead.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-olson911@sailpix.com [mailto:owner-olson911@sailpix.com]
On
> Behalf Of Jon E
> Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 2:35 PM
> To: olson911@SailPix.com
> Subject: automatic bilge pump outlet
>
> O911 owners,
>
> Shanti came without an auto bilge pump, and I'm installing one. Does
> anyone have suggestions on locating the outlet mushroom? The manual
pump
> discharges through the transom "vents" near the bottom but I wonder
if
> using those would produce backwash into the bilge in a following
sea.
>
> Also, I noticed that the flat bilge is really hard to keep dry with
the
> standard rule-type pumps. Anyone have a trick (I'm using the old
> giant-sponge method
> now) to keep that a little drier?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jon
>
>
>
>