Bilge pumps in small RIBS

[SR4]

Anyone use a bilge pump in a small RIB? I have a small 4mtr and have left it on the water for the last couple of weeks, with the rain we have had it doesn't take long to fill up, I have been considering an auto bilge pump to keep the water down, I have been looking at two RULE ones, one is the RULE 500 auto but although it says auto it uses an electronic circuit apparently to turn it on every 2.5mins to see if there is any resistance to the impellor to activate it, so no 'float switch', I thought this could run down a battery and perhaps not wise with only one battery. The other is the RULE MATE 500, it looks a bit bigger but has an internal float switch so only activates if the water rises, looks a better bet. My only other problem is getting the water out, I was considering a 3/4" skin fitting, say 2/3 rds up the transom which may be neater than a pipe over the transom, what do others think and what do you use?

Thanks,

[PeterM]

I used that exact Rule Auto pump in my old boat on a mooring for 4 + years and it was fine . Never ran the battery down enough to not start a 200. My thought it was much simpler to install and no exposed bits to get blocked etc .

If it it did ever run the battery down I'd guess your engine can be pull started anyway ( its good practice just in case ) so not the end of the world .

I think its a 'marmite' subject ....love them or hate them ....I liked mine.

Any pump out I felt should be as high as possible - mine is an inch below the top of the transom. If its just to get rid of rainwater I dont think the speed of pump out is vital. ( The higher it is the slower it is - but on a 4 RIB your pumping up maybe 30cm ish ? )

[SR4]

Thanks for the input Pete, the auto 500 does look a lot smaller than the RULE MATE 500. If I did fit one do you think it would be wise to fit some kind of stainless plate to cover it from knocks to front and top? Thanks

[PeterM]

GUess it dependson how you use the boat. My old one was under the deck in a well so well protected , but I have another one on my 4 m that just sits in the back . Boats gets used for all sorts without causing any damage to the pump , but they are not the most robust of things.

Assuming its mounted to the transom maybe just a top and front cover - ie an inverted L shape would work .

Just found a pic of my current set up .

[Nick Hearne]

I fitted one to my SR4 to get rid of deck water it isn’t auto though, the pipe just runs over the top of the transom!
Could have done with auto over half term as it rained so much I kept on having to go down & empty the boat of water!

[SR4]

Originally Posted by PeterM

GUess it dependson how you use the boat. My old one was under the deck in a well so well protected , but I have another one on my 4 m that just sits in the back . Boats gets used for all sorts without causing any damage to the pump , but they are not the most robust of things.

Assuming its mounted to the transom maybe just a top and front cover - ie an inverted L shape would work .

Just found a pic of my current set up .

My thoughts the same re "inverted L" cover when I mentioned front & top, just prevents anyone knocking it. I just need to find a 3/4" stainless through hull 90 degree fitting (sort of L shaped), that way I can just connect the 3/4" hose straight up into it as it will be facing down. They are not easy to fond in stainless, plenty of plastic, I just get US sites in my search, will continue to look. Thanks

[Nos4r2]

personally I'm not too fussed about the appearance of a hose over the top if it means I don't have another penetration through the transom for water to possibly get into the wood.

[SR4]

Thanks, my point is that I want to do the job properly and neatly, hanging over the top doesn't and liable to be knocked doesn't do it for me I'm afraid, as for making holes, not a problem at all it just needs to be done properly, it's not as if I am fitting underwater lights, ooh! that's a good cool idea

[Searider]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

personally I'm not too fussed about the appearance of a hose over the top if it means I don't have another penetration through the transom for water to possibly get into the wood.

I also wouldn't want an unecessary hole in the transom.

[SR4]

It's not 'unnecessary' it's for a purpose You may as well bluetack your outboard on, why drill holes

If the tube were to fall into the boat and it filled and sunk I think the transom would be the least of your problems

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by Searider

I also wouldn't want an unecessary hole in the transom.

Me too this is mine from the back,anther benefit is you can see if it is pumping water!

[SPR]

ahhh good use of washing machine hose, exactly what I used on mine!

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by SPR

ahhh good use of washing machine hose, exactly what I used on mine!

Spot on, I do not like throwing anything away as you never know when it will be needed!