Recommended for all larger Bayliners...(domestic water pump)-gctid821711

[Alan_Teed]

When I bought my 4788 5 years ago I was surprised to find it only had one pressure water pump for the domestic supply. My previous boats had two pumps running in parallel so that if one gave out, the other could be immediately selected and not ruin a cruise. There was plenty of room around the OEM water pressure pump to add a second pump in parallel which is what I did. Since I was playing around in that area I also added valves to isolate each pump so that, if needed, I could remove one pump for repair while still having a functioning water system.

The project cost around $200 including a top quality variable pump and assorted PEX fittings.

This month that expenditure became worthwhile. While on a 3 week cruise from Gig Harbor to Vancouver (incl Gulf and SJ Islands) one pump quit 4 days in. One minute later we were back in business ~~ That felt so good!


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[Pcpete]

Nice!
..........

[Ahaua]

Alan,

good idea! I recently bought a back up pump for my 3988 and carry it on the boat in case the one craps out; no fun being without water.

Alex

[SomeSailor]

I have one on each tank, but when the cross-over is open they gravity down to the same level. If I lost a pump I would just switch to the other pump as well. Its really nice in that configuration as I can ballast using water tankage. I'm normally about 45 gallons heavy on my port side. When the fuel tanks are topped off I use water to ballast. As they get lower I use fuel weight as ballast.

[TenMile]

Do you guys find installing an Accumulator Tank after the pump leads to the pump cycling on/off less often? I *just* had a pump fail 2 weeks ago and find the new one has a bit more pressure so tends to cycle much more. Was looking at something like this:

https://www.amazon.ca/SEAFLO-0-75-Liter-Pressurized-Accumulator/dp/B0731TGPYD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503189411&sr=8-1&keywords=marine+accumulator+tank

[SomeSailor]

Yeah, I have an accumulator (right out of Lowes) just before the filter.

[simbad]

Nice job. The quick back up seems like a good idea. But isn't just keeping a spare on board god enough. Not criticizing, just curious as I assume it's one of the easier quicker things to swap out if you have a spare Ready to go. Though I understand the satisfaction when it crapped out on you

[Norton_Rider]

"Alan Teed" post=821711 wrote:
When I bought my 4788 5 years ago I was surprised to find it only had one pressure water pump for the domestic supply. My previous boats had two pumps running in parallel so that if one gave out, the other could be immediately selected and not ruin a cruise. There was plenty of room around the OEM water pressure pump to add a second pump in parallel which is what I did. Since I was playing around in that area I also added valves to isolate each pump so that, if needed, I could remove one pump for repair while still having a functioning water system.

The project cost around $200 including a top quality variable pump and assorted PEX fittings.

This month that expenditure became worthwhile. While on a 3 week cruise from Gig Harbor to Vancouver (incl Gulf and SJ Islands) one pump quit 4 days in. One minute later we were back in business ~~ That felt so good!

A few years ago I talked to the owner of a boat charter company located in the Caribbean. He told me that all the boats in his fleet have dual pumps with isolation valves. He said that they have one or two pumps fail once a year. The money savings associated with not having to get a mechanic and pump to a boat more than pays for having two pumps in each boat.

I personally don't have a second pump installed. Instead I carry an identical spare on the boat. The pumps are set up with quick disconnects for the tubing and bullet connectors for the power. I can remove and replace a pump in 5 -10 minutes.

[Grafty]

I agree that a second pump in some form is needed just so the trip is not ruined. On an extended trip I carry a backup Honda 2000 generator for that same reason. But back to the water pump issue. My current boat has a 110volt pump that powers the water system on shore power and generator. It has a built in accumulator and actually builds more pressure than the Sureflo pump that was standard with the boat. I usually have the breaker for the factory pump turned off and keep it only as a backup. The 110 volt pump runs on inverter when underway. With the accumulator, I dont notice much cycling of the pump. I'm not sure of the brand of the pump unit but will be at the boat next week if anyone is interested.

[The_Other_Gary]

Variable speed pumps do not need an accumulator tank.

[Pacrimrat]

I had my water pump go out up in Canada on the hook. It was my spare that I installed a couple years before and didn't get around to replacing. I pulled the wash down pump and installed it for the rest of the trip.

I carry a spare now.

I like the double Idea.

Alan, do you have duels fuel filters?

Chris

[Destiny_4588]

Like most I have variable speed pump and spare with quick disconnects. I added a accumulator pressure tank and it helps stop the pulse of the water pump cycling and minimize pump run time for us. Also if you do have a pump go out that pressure that is stored is surprising amount of water you can still use or at night if you just want to wash your hand our pump does not even kick in if you are quick.

[Alan_Teed]

Chris, I do not (yet) have dual fuel filters on this boat. I have had them on previous boats with a pressure gauge and it is a possible future upgrade. Interestingly after a particularly rough Juan de Fuca crossing last week i temporarily lost RPM on one engine for a minute which I assume was filter related and will be changing out the filters before next use. If I were ever to take the boat offshore (I boat exclusively within the Puget Sound with this boat) I would install dual filters with a Y valve.

To others who carry two identical pumps to easily switch out when needed. Yes that is also a good solution, the only thing I have against that is if I happen to be in the shower when the pump fails! My wife can switch between pumps, I am not sure she could or would change a pump out.

[Alan_Teed]

I removed the accumulator from my system when installing the additional pump as the variable speed pumps do not require an accumulator.

[Sportscar]

Is there a reason to not use an accumulator weith a variable speed pump that makes it a good idea to remove it???