Re: [omc-boats] Re: omc-boats-digest V1 #554

Tom's message and advice is right on. I'd like to add a couple observations:

I agree that replacing the original combination bilge pump/blower is a good idea even if it is still working.

1) The blower is especially critcal to safe operation. It's very easy for an explosive vapor to build up in the bilge area, especially when operating at idle speeds for even just a few minutes.
  You don't even need a fuel leak. You can get fumes building up from normal operational blow-by. I've even added a two position Cole-Hersee switch that has a ON-OFF-TIMER function. The timer functions shuts off the bilge blower after four (or optionally) eight minutes, handy when trolling or idling around the docks. An electronic gas vapor detector has shown me just how prevalent these fumes can be. Proper ventilation is a must. And vigilant fuel line inspection & maintenance could save your life and your boat. OK, but what about the pump?

2) The bilge pump is also very important to safety. Again, consider wiring it with an auto-float switch, so it can kick on un-attended. My older style Sportsman sits pretty low in the water and it can take on a considerable anount of water at rest over the transom, even in relatively calm waters. It's nice to get that water out of the boat without having to use a manual bailing pump or bucket, but those are also handy to have stashed away for emergencies. The newer models are modular for motor replacement and feature screens or filters for easier maintenace.

Most of the local marine retailers or dealers stock or carry the major brands in a variety of sizes and capacities, and I agree with Tom, that they are affordable and provide greater peace of mind and margin of safety. Go for it.

Lee Shuster

----- Original Message -----
From: "Thomas Klauber" <tklauber@...>
To: <omc-boats-digest@...>
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 7:30 PM
Subject: [omc-boats] Re: omc-boats-digest V1 #554

> I assume you are talking about the black "plastic" water and air
> combined pump issued with the boat. They can be rebuilt if you are
> mechanically inclined. It is just a wiper type motor with a water pump
> impeller on one end and the blower squirrel cage on the other. They are
> really too much trouble to redo ( the motor is inside the casing and is
> protected from water by O rings and it works fine if you do not get it
> really submerged - the rings age and water gets in and it is a crummy mess -
> I will probably take mine out this winter and disaasemble and clean it but
> that is because I am crazy and do not see that my time would be better spent
> working on a new improved system ) - those are my thoughts on it. I have a
> 69 Rogue BTW.
> It all depends on how much air and water you need to move but really
> anything probably will do. I would not depend on the air pump to keep the
> bilge ventilated. Just be careful & use common sense. Open the hatch when
> you put the boat in the water or before you crank it to let it ventilate.
> MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY LEAKY GAS FITTINGS - ABSOLUTELY NO RUBBER
> TUBING BETWEEN THE FUEL PUMP AND THE CARB. I had a Sportsman blow up from
> gas fumes ( no one was hurt - it was like a gas grill going up but the
> ensuing fire destroyed the boat ). Anyway, use your eyes and nose to check
> things out before something bad happens. You might try Sea Way Marine in
> Seattle if you want parts. I was able to get some there 2 years ago but they
> are limited in stock and I have never seen any of these bilge pump parts on
> ebay which must mean they are really worthless. Tom
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "omc-boats-digest" <owner-omc-boats-digest@...>
> To: <omc-boats-digest@...>
> Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 12:00 PM
> Subject: omc-boats-digest V1 #554
>
>
>>
>> omc-boats-digest Tuesday, August 8 2006 Volume 01 : Number
>> 554
>>
>>
>>
>> [omc-boats] Bilge pump/blower?
>> Re: [omc-boats] Bilge pump/blower?
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2006 12:40:36 -0500
>> From: "Tom Kennedy" <tomk@...>
>> Subject: [omc-boats] Bilge pump/blower?
>>
>> I've got a 68 Sportsman 155 with a nonfunctional bilge blower/pump. Are
>> there any known sources for the original part (at a reasonable cost)?
>> Failing that, does anybody know what the GPH rating was on the original
>> pump? What aftermarket bilge pumps are people using, and how do you like
>> them?
>>
>>
>> - -----
>> To get off this list send mail to omc-boats-unsubscribe@...
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Mon, 07 Aug 2006 14:11:07 -0500
>> From: David <odin@...>
>> Subject: Re: [omc-boats] Bilge pump/blower?
>>
>> Tom, did you see the email from Bill Desmond? (nebdlo@...) he is
>> parting out a Rogue - and listed a bilge pump/blower! Dave
>>
>> Tom Kennedy wrote:
>>
>>>I've got a 68 Sportsman 155 with a nonfunctional bilge blower/pump. Are
>>>there any known sources for the original part (at a reasonable cost)?
>>>Failing that, does anybody know what the GPH rating was on the original
>>>pump? What aftermarket bilge pumps are people using, and how do you like
>>>them?
>>>
>>>
>>>-----
>>>To get off this list send mail to omc-boats-unsubscribe@...
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> - -----
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>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> End of omc-boats-digest V1 #554
>> *******************************
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Received on Wednesday, 9 August 2006