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DIY Dry Bilge
- bud37
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Re: DIY Dry Bilge
Now the same can happen with regular bilge pumps but it would take a considerable amount more to trigger the pumps. I always kept a clean bilge with pads down and engine and trans trays but the last bit was always shop vac and towel.
I like the idea but am not sure about any issue especially when you are away from the boat.
- Phrancus
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Re: DIY Dry Bilge
Look for 'aquarium inlet' and find all kinds of solutions for the pickup inside the sponge. Note that most are too big to pick up the low level of the last drops but the sponge is supposed to collect that.
Even the foam stuff for aquarium filters seems made for the job: many sizes and densities.
For the pump a small peristaltic pump should do the job, it can run dry without damage and self-primes so it can handle periodic pumping even when there is nothing to pump out.
Luxury would be to make it supply dependend but this introduces all the possible problems as well. Although a moisture measuring with two pins in the sponge could work to trigger a timed-relay. That would only save the pumping during the time that the bilge is so dry that even the sponge dries out. Nah, too complicated, just a timer with a bypass switch should do the trick.
- Midnightsun
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2007 41CMY
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Re: DIY Dry Bilge
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/304612255291?_t ... %3A2047675
- bud37
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Re: DIY Dry Bilge
IMO there is a very big difference with a standard pump system . First the pumps don't pump dry to the bottom as the float switches are above the pump inlets or should be, that way it takes time to get to the pumping point with a small leak. If there is oil on the surface the pump only pumps water from below in most cases.
This also gives the operator time to catch problems before they get out, a luxury you will not have when the dry system frequently pumps even the smallest amt. of liquid away. If you are on board every day then part of the operators responsibility is that bilge but when you are away from the boat for a length of time the boat is left to its own devices but the operator is still responsible.
I like the filter/separator idea...

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Re: DIY Dry Bilge
- Phrancus
- CYO Supporter
- Posts: 395
- Joined: October 1st, 2020, 10:03 am
- Vessel Info: Sold: Carver 26 Command Bridge / 280 sedan 1992.
- Location: Netherlands, Europe
- Has thanked: 16 times
- Been thanked: 135 times
- Contact:
Re: DIY Dry Bilge
-
- CYO Supporter
- Posts: 6187
- Joined: July 10th, 2015, 9:58 pm
- Vessel Info: 1989 Carver 3807 Aft Cabin
- Location: Ontario, Canada
- Has thanked: 467 times
- Been thanked: 1759 times
Re: DIY Dry Bilge
- Midnightsun
- CYO Supporter
- Posts: 2980
- Joined: March 27th, 2016, 2:27 pm
- Vessel Info: The Midnight Sun
2007 41CMY
Volvo D6-370's - Location: Montreal, Canada
- Has thanked: 272 times
- Been thanked: 1177 times
Re: DIY Dry Bilge

I have a home made lithium battery booster I use as a battery booster for PWC or any boat in trouble as long as it's a gasser no problem.
I use the same connector to plug into the additional pump, my AC winterizing pump and my mobile pump used to suck out engine anti freeze when change time comes along so it does get a lot of use. Don't be fooled by the small size, packs a wallop and will easily boost a dead V8.
Just so handy in tight places on a boat as opposed to trying to hook up to the main batteries which are usually too far away to be practical.
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