What size bilge and aerator?

[a0wsk1]

I have an 18' aluminum bass boat. I am replacing the bilge pump and livewell aerator pump. I have never seen either of the existing pumps work, so I cant be sure that they are the appropriate size for my boat. What is the recommended size?

Bilge: A 300gph 1st mate was in there. I have never had a water issue in my boat, but the existing pump seems undersized. What size would be recommended for this boat?

Livewell Aerator Pump: A 600gph Mayfair was connected to my livewell in the front of the boat. The livewell is approximately 2' wide, 18'' tall, 18" deep. I am a bass fisherman, so this would be used strictly for freshwater fish and bait. What is the recommended size for this livewell?

 

[Bondo]

Re: What size bilge and aerator?

I have an 18' aluminum bass boat. I am replacing the bilge pump and livewell aerator pump. I have never seen either of the existing pumps work, so I cant be sure that they are the appropriate size for my boat. What is the recommended size?

Bilge: A 300gph 1st mate was in there. I have never had a water issue in my boat, but the existing pump seems undersized. What size would be recommended for this boat?

Livewell Aerator Pump: A 600gph Mayfair was connected to my livewell in the front of the boat. The livewell is approximately 2' wide, 18'' tall, 18" deep. I am a bass fisherman, so this would be used strictly for freshwater fish and bait. What is the recommended size for this livewell?

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... The bait tank pump sounds 'bout Right,....

For bilge pumps, I put in the Biggest capacity I can fit....

My barge has a primary 1000 gallon unit, 'n a secondary 1000 gallon unit...
Overkill, but I'll always have atleast 1 of 'em workin'...

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: What size bilge and aerator?

For your bilge pump, your existing 3/4" plumbing limits the GPH size. Rule bilge pumps with a 3/4" discharge port go as large as 800 GPH, Johnson pumps up to 1000 GPH. Keep this in mind while shopping. Bigger is generally better when it comes to bilge pumps. For your bait/livewell pump, take care not to introduce too much flow into your tank, creating a washing machine effect which will kill delicate baits. The need for greater water flow increases as the water temperature increases, as warmer water holds less oxygen. You probably only need enough water flow to fill the tank in about 10 minutes, so don't get too carried away here. I think a 500 GPH would be plenty, and you may have to throttle that down some with a valve.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: What size bilge and aerator?

Each pump manufacturer will tell you what size plumbing you need for their various pump capacities. You may not be able to put a giant pump in without upgrading the diameter of the pipes discharging the water from your boat. In general though, I'd agree with going with the most capacity that you can.

Most small boats in the 16-18 or 19 foot range usually come with a standard 500gph pump, or somewhere in that realm. My boat rarely has a drop of water in it but if you leave your boat out on the water during a big rain, or boat in lakes/oceans where a wave could come over the gunnel then you need bigger pumps. About five years ago, a big thunderstorm hit my cabin one night. It rained hard all night long. In the morning I went down and my 16.5ft Alumacraft had standing water and was listing to the stern. It took 45 minutes for the bilge to clear out all of the water while I casted for northerns and smallies off my dock. Of course, I didn't have an automatic bilge float attached to the pump or else I wouldn't have had a problem. However, it illustrates a time when you could need a lot of pumping capacity.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: What size bilge and aerator?

Of course, I didn't have an automatic bilge float attached to the pump or else I wouldn't have had a problem. However, it illustrates a time when you could need a lot of pumping capacity.

... and a float switch.

 

[a0wsk1]

Re: What size bilge and aerator?

Thanks for the input! I've kept the 3/4 output in mind as i'm shopping around. I've read a decent amt of bad reviews on automatic bilge pumps. I'd like to buy the setup once and not have to worry about it.. with this in mind, i'm leaning towards a non-automatic with a float switch. Is this the more popular of the two set ups (auto vs non-auto)? As I mentioned, I've never had a problem with water in my boat, but this doesn't mean i'm not going to invest in the proper equipment. Does it make sense to have an automatic bilge with a float switch as well? I just don't have experience with these things malfunctioning, so its hard for me to foresee problems. As I see it, if 500gph is standard for a boat of my size, a 1000gph seems a bit overkill. If there was a need for a 1000, I probably shouldn't be on my boat at the time. Any preference between rule or a johnson?

So what is everyones thoughts...

a) automatic bilge, no float
b) automatic with a float
c) non auto with a float

When it comes to the aerator, I hear ya about the washing machine effect. If too much flow could be a potential problem and the only other differences are between fill times.. I've gotta think that a 500gph johnson will do the trick for me.

 

[a0wsk1]

Re: What size bilge and aerator?

ALSO, what is the difference between the 14amp and 20amp floats? If float is going to be used with a 500gph bilge, which amp is needed? Striper season is fast approaching on the Hudson where I am in upstate NY, it will be a relief knowing that I have the right equipment while i'm out early season!

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: What size bilge and aerator?

I vote for (c). If you opt for an automatic bilge pump, know that you will have to remember to turn it on and off at the helm switch at the beginning and the end of the day. I think that's a recipe for battery drain disaster. Buy a non-automatic bilge pump and a Rule-A-Matic (14 amp rated) float switch, which is more than capable of handling the amp draws of any of the 3/4" outlet bilge pumps you are considering. Read up on the Rule and Johnson pumps and pick whichever floats your boat.

 

[tazrig]

Re: What size bilge and aerator?

Thanks for the input! I've kept the 3/4 output in mind as i'm shopping around. I've read a decent amt of bad reviews on automatic bilge pumps. I'd like to buy the setup once and not have to worry about it.. with this in mind, i'm leaning towards a non-automatic with a float switch. Is this the more popular of the two set ups (auto vs non-auto)? As I mentioned, I've never had a problem with water in my boat, but this doesn't mean i'm not going to invest in the proper equipment. Does it make sense to have an automatic bilge with a float switch as well? I just don't have experience with these things malfunctioning, so its hard for me to foresee problems. As I see it, if 500gph is standard for a boat of my size, a 1000gph seems a bit overkill. If there was a need for a 1000, I probably shouldn't be on my boat at the time. Any preference between rule or a johnson?

So what is everyones thoughts...

a) automatic bilge, no float
b) automatic with a float
c) non auto with a float

When it comes to the aerator, I hear ya about the washing machine effect. If too much flow could be a potential problem and the only other differences are between fill times.. I've gotta think that a 500gph johnson will do the trick for me.

I vote for d)... (not listed) it is a Rule pump with a float switch built into it. It won't come on unless there is water present to raise the internal float switch so you don't have to worry about battery drain unlike the "auto" pumps that "check" for water every few minutes. There is also no chance of a twig or foreign object getting stuck under an external float switch forcing the pump to stay on because the blue strainer keeps them out. Just my .02 cents.


Rule-Mate Automatic Bilge Pumps 500 - 2000 GPH - iboats

 

[MWG2600]

Re: What size bilge and aerator?

I have an older rule 1500GPH on my 12 ft boat. Works great. more is always better.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: What size bilge and aerator?

I dont have a bilge any more but use a 600 gph as a live well fill pump and use a 600 also on my live well to recirculate with a on 30 sec and adjustable off 1 to 7 minute timer.