JetBoaters.net Bimini Fling July 10th to 15th 2017

[Bruce]

@Glen is there a link on how to install a 2nd bilge pump ? I have looked around but I have not seen one yet.

Open bilge, glue pump mount to lowest point, run power either directly from the battery switch or from a switch at the helm, install new through hull fitting beside the factory one, run hose, install pump, fill bilge with water to test.

 

[Skroggy66]

Easy day. No Yamaha is more capable

2nd bilge pump advised

There are so many things I need to do, have to get a good VHF radio, a 2nd Bilge.

 

[swatski]

Open bilge, glue pump mount to lowest point, run power either directly from the battery switch or from a switch at the helm, install new through hull fitting beside the factory one, run hose, install pump, fill bilge with water to test.

@Betik What @Bruce said!
I would stick with a traditional "float" switch activated bilge pump, the switch can be built in or separate, doesn't matter. But I would stay away from the new pumps that use sensors (not float switch) as they have a very dangerous feature of NOT working when they detect gas or oil. It is for environmental protection I suppose, but I would not want to deal that as most boats have oil and gas in bilges. (Besides, if your boat sinks, you are going to spill more than a little bit of oil and gas anyway).

In my opinion it is best to rig it directly to battery, but make SURE it is fused.

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[Skroggy66]

Love the boat so far just not looking forward to pulling that darn Bimini top off so I can pull it to Ft Lauderdale was such a pain to put on in the first place.

 

[swatski]

Love the boat so far just not looking forward to pulling that darn Bimini top off so I can pull it to Ft Lauderdale was such a pain to put on in the first place.

It is just the fabric cover, right? I saw @Glen do it in about 5min or less by himself.

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[Skroggy66]

It is just the fabric cover, right? I saw @Glen do it in about 5min or less by himself.

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I sure hope that @Glen goes so he can show me the trick I pulled and pulled on the thing to get it on. Not so simple of a task for me. Love the coverage and so glad that I have it but don't look forward to every time I want to go somewhere and drive over 60MPH I have to remove the top.

 

[Bruce]

I sure hope that @Glen goes so he can show me the trick I pulled and pulled on the thing to get it on. Not so simple of a task for me. Love the coverage and so glad that I have it but don't look forward to every time I want to go somewhere and drive over 60MPH I have to remove the top.

@Glen has conquered the crossing, excelled at enjoying the land and water and promised to lead fresh recruits back to paradise.

 

[Bill D]

I used a Water Witch electronic switch. I've read too many horror stories about mechanical float switches failing and these had really good reviews from people with way more expensive boats than mine that live on salt water.

https://waterwitchinc.com/product/model-101-bilge-switch/

 

[2nazt]

Thanks @Bill D that is a new product to me!

 

[Bruce]

I installed a Johnson Pump. Three seasons later it is working fine. It has a built in sensor. @swatski do you know if it is the kind of sensor you are concerned about? It has only pumped water during testing but it works fine then.

@Betik, this link may help you https://jetboaters.net/threads/installing-second-bilge-pump-in-yamaha-sx230.1889

If you want to simplify the project just install the second pump in the engine compartment. It will work almost if not as well there.

 

[swatski]

@Bruce I'm not sure about this Johnson pump. I think that one senses and pumps any fluids but IDK for sure.

Please note that @Bill D Water Witch "Will not pump a bilge full of gas, diesel or oil", which is nice and environmentally sensitive. But... if my boat is sinking in the middle of the Gulf Stream, frankly I don't give a shit about clean environment (and my boat is going to spill all the gas anyway). So wouldn't be my first choice.

I also do not like the ones that cycle every few minutes to detect water, like the OEM. That is not my favorite setup AT ALL. Okay, let me rephrase: I f@cking hate it. Those sensor - operated pumps do fail and I would not want one.

I like and have used simple switches like this, never had a problem:

I know those get bad reviews, whatever. I think people just dont know how to mount them or used them, probably get some epoxy residue on the switch when mounting, or I don't know what. I find those to be fine, very reliable and easy to mount - the location is important for several reasons.

If the outlet is high up in the free board, I don't see any reason to mount a "loop" in the outlet hose (you have bigger problems if that becomes an issue, LOL).

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[Betik]

@Bruce & @swatski Thank you for the info. I will study the direct types. The one I have now is OEM and it has a sensor, so I am thinking on getting a different type.

Maybe I can put a switch on the secondary one and only operate it on the trip. While i am here I can use the OEM that way I dont dump oils and stuff in the lake that I supplied the water in DFW.

Although, I must admit that the way Mel kept that engine floor is ridicusly clean. Probably cleaner than our kitchen floor
On the bright side though, my inreach explorer arrived today, so i am super happy.

 

[Bill D]

@swatski I suppose it is important to mention that the witch is on the backup pump, which is installed in an on/off/auto configuration. I agree, if my boat is sinking I want that baby pumping anything that is in the bilge! I also agree that it is likely that most of the negative feedback on the mechanical style limit switches comes from a bad install and little or no maintenance on the switch. My biggest concern with the float switch is if there was water intrusion and the contacts got fouled to the point where they wouldn't close. Not to hijack the thread any farther, my installation can be seen in the attached file.

@Betik There is no doubt you got one of the cleanest, best cared for, used boats out there! Let me know what you think of the DeLorme as you get familiar with it. I'll be buying one sometime before the trip too.

 

[Betik]

I am the one who tried to highjack the thread, twice. But I am sure as soon as Bruce starts putting dates out there, it will be back to on track reall quick.

 

[swatski]

I do not view discussion of secondary bilge pumps as a hijack!
I think it's really good to talk about about various options for that trip.

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[Betik]

Shoot, I fat fingered that "Like" for "Funny".

 

[john94si]

So no dates yet at all?

 

[Bruce]

So no dates yet at all?

John, do you have a timeline for applying for vacation?

The best resort for us to stay at is in a state of transition. I am hopeful that we can get everything setup in January.

 

[john94si]

I am looking at taking our jet skis the first week or so in June but to grand Bahama and freeport. Not sure about the boat at all as my kids are too small still to enjoy the ride across.

 

[Lakeboy]

Lakeboy has registered to captain bare foot island with a crew of 4 adults and 2 children. They hail from the home port of Lake Potaka Washington IN.

The crew is described as: Captain 47,wife, daughter 18,daughter 12,daughter14, Jacob 21

You can register for the event using the form at https://jetboaters.net/forms/bimini-2017-registration.6/respond