New Bilge Pump Installation (Commander)
I just bought my Commander (hull #270) in July. It has never had a bilge pump. For a number of reasons (not the least of which is the smelly black pool I just discovered in the depths of the bilge) I’m going to install an electric pump before it goes back in the water this Spring as well as carry a hand pump and a bucket.
After reading all the posts in this thread I'd like to ask for collective opinions on the best place and technique to mount the electric pump and direct the outlet.
I’ve been sailing for five years but this is my first boat so it’s OK to assume I don’t have much in the way of boat-smarts. My outboard has a generator and the boat also has a shore powered battery charger both feeding a relatively new battery.
Thanks,
Jerry McCann
Stagnant bilge water removal
I had the same problem in #45 when I got her , plus there was 6" of sludge at the bottom of the sump.Smelled like a skunk had died in there .
1st , get a wet/dry shopvac and suck all the water and crap out ( it will just clog a bilge pump).
2nd , pour in a gal of clean water and some pinesol or Simple Green or whatever and scrub with a toilet brush (long handled).
3rd , vacumn and rinse & repeat 'till she is sweet smelling .
With the vac you can get it completely dry , bilge pump will always leave a quart or 2 down there .