quote:Originally posted by rmj002
I would like to install a washdown pump. I am really leary about DIY istalling a thru hull fitting in the boat. thought I might fish a hose through the cable boot with a check valve and weight out the back.
I was thinking I could just drop it in when I wanted to wash down.
I know it may not work when moving at speed. I am just not that conifident about putting holes in the boat.
Toughts....? Suggestions
MJ
I wouldn’t run a hose through the cable boot? And really wouldn’t stick any kind of hose or weight out the back, especially “remotely” close to any prop, with or without that engine running? That would be way to easy to forget about! Over the side, Maybe?
It really isn’t that hard installing a thru-hull and don’t worry… you won’t sink your boat, unless you really screw things up! Worst case, you might have a drip if you don't have it sealed correctly. Just so you know, "most" bilge pumps will easily handle water coming in “full flow” from a ¾ inch opening, at least until the battery runs down! Been there – done that!
I also wouldn’t get to hung-up on installing any thru-hulls (including one for a wash down pump) below the waterline? Might be what they are designed for! With that thought process, just pretend you have a submarine – now you wouldn’t mount anything, anywhere? I just don’t cut (or screw) anything to any part of my boat that I don’t consider it becoming a permanent part thereafter; to include, I seal “everything” with 3M 5200 Marine Adhesive Sealant.
To install a wash down pump, the easiest is to use an existing thru-hull (not being used for the engine) you can tap into it with a Y valve above the existing seacock? If you can’t do that… just get your drill out and drill a hole preferably, while the boat is out of the water, but that can actually be done (if needed) with the boat “in” the water - just have everything ready including a plug! The plug is to cut down on your anxiety – as the water starts rushing in! Just a note - Do you really think they pull 300-foot boats out to install a thru-hull fitting? They don't!
Now, I do prefer “bronze” thru-hull and seacock to other materials for obvious reasons they very seldom "crack"... and believe that would also be required on commercial boats in Canada. If you hit something hard enough to crack a bronze thru-hull you will probably have a lot more to worry about than a thru-hull leaking, especially if it has been sealed with 3M 5200? The only thing you really need to watch, are you dealing with NPT threads or NPS threads and remember NPT is not compatible with NPS threaded thru-hull fittings, unless the thru-hull fitting is machined with a "Combination Thread".
http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...talling+Thru-Hull+Fittings+and+Valves+-+Groco
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=2002&engine=adwords!6456&keyword=3m_5200_marine_adhesive_sealant
http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...oId=696&title=How-To+Install+a+Wash+Down+Pump
Concerning types of pumps, I currently have a “Shurflo Pro-Blaster” and have no complaints with it and could recommend it as well as the Jabsco Par-Max, which I have owned in the past. I have no complains about either, both are good products!