I just got through modifying my bilge pumping system decided to go with a stacked system with two pumps one 750 GPH and one 1500 GPH.
See the picture with the raw water intake valve fully open and the strainer cover all the way off the smaller of the two pumps was well able to keep up with the flow, so now thinking if I had a real serious breach then with both pumps running I should be able to stay afloat.
Ed
S/V Moonlight Mile #110
I like that system- we have a 750 on bottom, then a 1500 and a 2000. The bigger pumps are in more or less dry storage. If the bilge water gets above the small pump it will find the bigger pumps with clean strainers ready to go. I need to add a high bilge water alarm to the bigger pumps so that if either of them come on, we get an alarm. The other advantage is that the low dollar pump is taking the wear and tear of routine pumping.
I've toyed with the idea of stacking for a while, but could not picture the setup. I can now. (A picture is worth........!)
Seems really straight forward. But another question. (Make that 2)
Are both pumps plumbed to the same discharge hose with a Y fitting?
If yes, what size hose are you using.
My concern is the increased water volume if both pumps are running at the same time.
Boat redundency might suggest using two hoses. Or am I being paranoid?
Henri Hali
SV Windrider
Ed's setup is almost too pretty to put in the bilge. A heavy plastic flower pot from Wal Mart will work too. One that is bowl shaped with a lot of flat bottom area. Turn it upside down and bolt the pump(s) to the bottom. If you take a tape measure with you, you can find one that will just fit and sort of wedge in place. It can't turn over because there is not enough room. You may have to wait until spring to find one. Our pumps are on separate hoses.