raw water washdown

stevie007

Cadet
Joined
Nov 22, 2007
Messages
23
I'm installing a raw water washdown. The only compartment space I have near the stern is the battery compartment. Is there a problem having a pump next to the battery? I think about my car battery next to the radiator, what's the difference? My only other option would be to mount it in the open.
 

SS MAYFLOAT

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2001
Messages
6,372
Re: raw water washdown

As long as the pump is USCG approved for spark arrestment. That is just one of the draw backs, but most marine washdown pumps will meet those standards.

The other problem is the your battery compartment should be vented to expell the acidic fumes during the charging phase of the battery. These fumes can react on the exposed metal parts of the washdown pump. Use stainless fastners as they will not corrode and will allow easy maintenace later on. Nothing I hate more than trying to take out a screw that is hard to get a tool on.

If it was mine and the pump was designed for marine use,,,,,,I'd do it! :D
 

stevie007

Cadet
Joined
Nov 22, 2007
Messages
23
Re: raw water washdown

Great, Just making sure I'm thinking correctly. This compartment has both a side hatch and top hatch. Both are open when I'm charging the battery.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,103
Re: raw water washdown

Both are open when I'm charging the battery.

Ayuh,....
Unless you've got somethig Special going on,....
That Battery should be being Charging anytime the motor is Running......
 

stevie007

Cadet
Joined
Nov 22, 2007
Messages
23
Re: raw water washdown

yeah..I thought about that dumb remark right after I posted it. I will put a vent in to get some fresh air in there. Then I should be good to go. Thanks for the diplomacy.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,337
Re: raw water washdown

Unless your batteries are in a hermitically sealed compartment don't worry about it. Both my washdown and bait well pumps are located within inches of my batteries in the battery compartment. It?s a pretty common arrangement on outboard powered boats
 
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