Bilge Pumps: To Pump or not...

[recsupervisor]

I work for a water utility and oversee the operation of a large recreation area and lake. We have a concession company run the marina and snack bar. <br /><br />Last October, the Concessionaire replaced all 24 of their bilge pumps (Rule 500) at a cost to us of $1000.00.<br /><br />They just requested we purchase another 24 to replace those purchased last year. <br /><br />They say the pumps overheat and melt due to leaves, mud and other debris impacting the impellar and shaft.<br /><br />Shouldn't these bilge pumps last years? <br />Am I being shafted or is this a normal occurance? <br /><br /> <br />Thanks!!!

 

[catfish1]

Re: Bilge Pumps: To Pump or not...

sounds to me like bull! if you keep the bilge area clean, the pump will last a long long time! what makes them think that any other pump would do any better under those conditions? sounds like good PM would prevent that from happening.

 

[dakotashooter2]

Re: Bilge Pumps: To Pump or not...

My boat used to sit outside under a tree, was towed down dirt/gravel roads and was rarely cleaned out and I never had a bilge pump go out in 15 years. I'd ask to see the burned out pumps and the % of failure. Catfish is right sounds like a lack of PM. Another option is to call the manufacturer and ask what the expected lifespan is.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Bilge Pumps: To Pump or not...

I just got a bilge pump for my boat (rule) and it says right on the package that it won't hurt it to run dry...and there's a strainer on the bottom so I don't see how anything could get up into the pump that would be big enough to do any damage...

 

[Solittle]

Re: Bilge Pumps: To Pump or not...

My suggestion is to tell your concessionaire to bring you the bad ones. You can test them easily with a car battery and replace only those that need it. You might get a couple but I bet no where near 24 or $1,000.00.<br /><br />Further I would have a talk with the concessionaire about renting out boats with bilge pumps that have failed. You have a big time liability issue there.

 

[tad7777]

Re: Bilge Pumps: To Pump or not...

i think it is a good idea to check the pumps, and clean them ,someone do maintainance,,the only thing i can think of is ,they must be thinking of safey ,,our these boats use alot? a big money maker?,maybe installing new pumps isnt so bad , when renting them alot to inexperienced boaters,,plus good advertisment,,,tad

 

[tad7777]

Re: Bilge Pumps: To Pump or not...

another thing a wanted to mention is,inexperienced boaters might run the pumps taking life from the motors,i know they say they can run dry,,but in my opion ,it isnt good on them ,so new ones might be the best thing in this case ,are the switches in a place where renters can just turn it on for no reason?? maybe they should put the switches in a place where a renter wont be so apt to play with the controls. tad

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bilge Pumps: To Pump or not...

Sounds to me that your "water utility " is being Ripped Off.....