simple/cheap water removal solution with electric pump

[fireblade274]

Hi! first post here

I'm looking for a cheap solution to remove about a foot of standing rain water that's accumulated in the interior of a boat over the years out of the water at a marina; im looking to pick up a cheap sailboat that will just sail for now, and down the road fix up the interior.

I found a 30ft sailboat this marina obtained the title for after the owner failed to pay bills, and they will give it to me for 500. Very skeptical of its condition after being out of the water since ~2016 and that much rain water accumulating, but I figure it might be worth a try removing the water that's built up inside over the years from rain getting in. Have not bought it, and probably wont, but im curious what the critical structure points are like, such as the keel bolts and if they are still any good. there's about a foot of standing water in it.

I'm looking for a simple solution to pump it out (not manual pump God please that would take forever and my arm would die) and would like advice to point me in the right direction of what kind of pump would help me out the best with out investing too much cash. I've been looking at bilge pumps? maybe i could use it for my next boat if it needs a new one rather then use it basically just this once. I really just want something that's super small, electric, on/of switch, that I can plug into a 3 prong extension cord, turn it on, and let it do its thing for a few hours. Idk if i should get one that i physically put under the water or one that i attach a hose to (perferably a garden hose(s) so I dont have to buy one) go into the boat and a line going away from the pump for the outflow. Something with not that much GPH, and im hoping to not spend more then 30$. there is some small debris in the water, so maybe Ill need some kind of filter in the pump intake. any ideas?

 

[southkogs]

30 ft sailboat ... with a foot of water in the cabin area? Sorry to say it so bluntly, but why even look?

If she's on shore, why doesn't the hull drain work? If she's in the water, then effectively she's swamped and goodness only knows how waterlogged it is. You'll need the sails and screws just to make steerage!

A couple of garden pumps, shore power and some hose should move enough water out ... but seriously, think about this one HARD. I can't imagine you're gonna' come out of this without some substantial structural work.

Welcome aboard.

 

[fireblade274]

Yea shes on blocks; i dont think it will work.
But, I kinda want to try anyway. Learning experience if you will. That's worth $30 and a few hours of my time chillin

Edit: Im honestly looking for something 26ft but hey this was the first marina i went to and the only one where they took title from the owner. Idk it peeked my curiosity

 

[MTboatguy]

If you are really serious, pick up a inexpensive submersible pump at Harbor Freight, they always have them on sale and normally you can track down a 20% off coupon, then put in the boat and run a hose over the side. You may get lucky, but I seriously doubt it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

small sump pump and an extension chord.

however the interior will be trashed. water will be in areas water shouldnt be, so plan on a full restoration. if your lucky, the sail boat is new enough there is no wood core anywhere, however most likely there is.

 

[briangcc]

U-Haul rents pond pumps which will accomplish what you're looking for. Other rental companies may do the same.

 

[mr 88]

Since your going cheap why not find a old garden hose,cut off the minimum length needed and siphon it out. Or buy a smaller diameter hose,say 3/8 and sipfon with that,it will be easier to get a draw. Or you can fill the garden hose with water [ need two people ] hold a finger over both ends ,put end in standing water and at the same time have the other person on the ground release the water when you do ,Should be done at the same time.

 

[tacx]

I'm not a sail boat guy, but shouldn't there be a drain plug somewhere??

If not and you want to go cheap, pick up a jiggler siphon hose. $8.00 to $10.00 at most any store ( HD, Lowes, etc, ). Most are 1/2" dia. but Tractor Supply has a 3 /4" dia. for $9 .99.

They are about 6 or 7 foot long. Just add extra hose to get out of the boat. Jiggle it a few times and once the water gets over the side it will siphon. They work really well.

 

[ahicks]

I was thinking siphon as well. Even if it takes a couple of days. There are very inexpensive garden pond pumps as well, maybe 30. or so (Lowes, Home Depot, etc)? Something like that could be used to start a siphon.

I can see that with just 500 spent going into it you should do fine. Worst case, the engine alone should be worth several times that. If you're fit enough to climb up and down a ladder a few dozen times a day, it might make a great project - assuming it's all there.

 

[southkogs]

If she's on blocks, the hull drains are open and you've still got water in the salon ... you got LOTS to fix.

My biggest concerns would be what's effected the mast step (assuming it comes down through the salon) and how the keel is situated. Running with or high into the wind wouldn't be a huge risk with a compromised hull, but you put her on any kind of reach and try to get some speed out of it ... you'll find out pretty quick the work you shoulda' done earlier.

 

[mr 88]

Probably a Non cored hull so I wouldn't be to concerned about the hull . And however the keel is affixed I would think the mfg took into account some water being in the bilge and would make provisions for the way they laid it up. No stringers to worry about. Nothing to lose but sweat equity the way I see it. Have fun !

 

[Scott Danforth]

Probably a Non cored hull so I wouldn't be to concerned about the hull .
!

and you know this how?

 

[mr 88]

and you know this how?

I educated guess, as I said PROBABLY . The few sailboats that are cored are top end models and regardless of the year, are NORMALLY not left out to rot and would have drain plugs. They are made for racing because of the light weight construction and the people that own them USUALLY don't let them fall into disrepair and store them in the correct way. They also in most cases sell them quicker because of the reputation of a quality and lightweight racing boat and don't let them sit for years in a boat yard because of this. YES I could be wrong,maybe if the OP gives us the make and year we can verify it.