Washdown Pump Revisited

Fishplay · 07-15-2003, 08:37 PM

I'm planning on adding one this weekend. I've only discussed this breifly with others and need some more input.

I plan to tap into my raw water supply between the engine and seacock. Would this require installing a one way valve or ballcock so I don't draw water from the heat exchanger.

Sounded reasonable...then I got to thinking about water flow and electricity. You know; following the least path of resistance.

With 10,000lbs of boat on the water and say 2ft of displacement. The presure from the source should be great enough that any water drawn though the pump should come from the seacock.

If my logic is flawed here please set me straight.

And if I'm wrong:

Anyone know where I can find an inexpensive valve that would fit this bill. I think the supply line is 1 1/2.

My sea***** appear to be PVC.

Gun Rod Bow · 07-15-2003, 10:10 PM

JMO Fishplay, but a new through hull fitting insn't that hard, and would isolate the engine cooling system. I added a wash down to my sled recently and went all new and did it in an afternoon. Just my .02

BTW, good to meet you and your gang, hope to see you guys soon. My turn to buy.

Miss B Haven · 07-16-2003, 08:36 AM

Not sure I'd do that on the mains. The added breaks/connections in one those inch and a half lines would bother me. Anything goes wrong you'd have to shut down the **** and one engine. Also the cost of the reducing tee and seacock for the raw water takeoff... don't think aso, I'd just put the smaller thru hull in. The thru hulls aren't much, but a good seacock is spendy. You only need a 3/4" for that raw water washdown though. Not sure the washdown would be able to draw against the main pumps either, if so are you reducing flow to the mains? Too many if's for me.

Also- Don't put it in front (or anything else like a transducer) of the main water intake, don't want to disturb the water flow to the mains.

PS- don't forget to run a bare copper from those new fitting back to your bonding strip.

[ 07-16-2003, 09:39 AM: Message edited by: Miss B Haven ]

Fishplay · 07-17-2003, 12:03 AM

Thanks guys. I think I'll just do the new thru-hull.

Bruce, nice meeting you also. Can't wait 'til next time around!

Miss B Haven · 07-17-2003, 07:37 AM

fishplay- this is the one place I wouldn't use anything but 5200 on for sealant. Just buy the small tube cause that stuff won't keep more than a week once it's opened!

07-17-2003, 08:27 AM

5200!!! The only thing to use.

Fishplay · 07-18-2003, 03:50 AM

Actually it keeps a little longer than that Mel. I just used the last of a full size tube, that was bought just before the first halibut opener, last Friday.

It's some good stuff but nasty to work with.