cover bilge

busybee · 10 August 2014, 18:19

I recently had someone tread on my bilge pump and killed it whilst replacing today i got thinking this is so vulnerable to damage what is is needed is a protection grill has anyone ever done this?

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matt h · 10 August 2014, 18:28

Looks like a Ribcraft Bilge, I spoke to Mark at RC about this and they can do it for you. It was a stainless plate with lots of holes in it

busybee · 10 August 2014, 18:30

that was quick reply thanks yes Ribcraft 5.3m well spotted anybody got a picture of one fitted?

CJL · 10 August 2014, 18:34

I've seen it done on dive boats and considered on my but in the end I'd rather have the access and be a bit more careful!

Chris

busybee · 10 August 2014, 18:36

all it needs is grill that is easy to remove to clean but held in some how so that it does not bounce around

bad_moose · 10 August 2014, 18:53

Does it have to completely cover the pump?

I used to race on a boat where the plugs that connected the masthead instruments to the gear below deck kept getting kicked out, which caused quite a few problems. In the end we made up this cover for them, it basically consisted of 2 U-shaped pieces of metal, welded together at 90 degrees to one and other with another circular piece of metal wrapped around the outside of the whole thing. Each 'leg' of the cage then just screwed into the deck. It was dirt cheap, easy to install and stopped the plugs getting kicked out.

It wasn't an off the shelf thing, not sure exactly who made it for us but I imagine that anyone with the right equipment and materials would be able to do something similar.

I don't know if that's easily achievable for you, but it certainly helped us out.

busybee · 10 August 2014, 18:58

i am thinking just a stainless plate with holes with fittings other than screws to be able to remove many times for cleaning

nugent · 10 August 2014, 19:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by busybee

I recently had someone tread on my bilge pump and killed it whilst replacing today i got thinking this is so vulnerable to damage what is is needed is a protection grill has anyone ever done this?

Some thing like this. ,

busybee · 10 August 2014, 19:19

yes exactly that idea but what holds it in to stop it bouncing around?

nugent · 10 August 2014, 19:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by busybee

yes exactly that idea but what holds it in to stop it bouncing around?

Simple snap fastener works fine for me

I Cnc router cut this from 4mm marine grade ali then powder coated it to match,, worked well,,

http://www.acorncanvas.com/PBSCCatal...&CatID=1521948

willk · 10 August 2014, 22:06

I made one from a folded sheet of perforated SS. It was basically a rectangle folded twice to form a U and inserted upside down in the bilge. I don't like the idea of fixing them down - you may want in there in a hurry. Redbay make them in solid SS checkerplate and hinge them, leaving a gap at two sides - works well too.

Pikey Dave · 11 August 2014, 10:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

I made one from a folded sheet of perforated SS. It was basically a rectangle folded twice to form a U and inserted upside down in the bilge. I don't like the idea of fixing them down - you may want in there in a hurry. Redbay make them in solid SS checkerplate and hinge them, leaving a gap at two sides - works well too.

that looks familiar, know someone in the water industry Willk?

willk · 11 August 2014, 10:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

that looks familiar, know someone in the water industry Willk?

No, I know the foreman who supervised a local build of some public building or other - that was a cosmetic trim from a reception desk fascia. There was a lot of waste on that job...