When I was a kid in the late 60s, there was a type of portable hand-operated bilge pump very common along the Chesapeake (and, I’m told, up North too). We called it a “stovepipe” because that’s what it looked like.<br /><br />I am searching for any source for replacement leathers or other information about these pumps; once upon a time pumps and parts were stocked in hardware stores and chandleries. I am told that the manufacturer closed shop 10-15 years ago, but I know there must be dusty old parts on stockroom shelves here and there. The pumps are great and will move a lot of water if you’ve got the muscle! <br /><br />A description follows for those whose memory needs jogging. Man is it hard to describe even a simple device briefly and without pictures.<br /><br />Their operation is similar to the modern, plastic Beckson “Thirsty Mate” pump available in West Marine but much larger. The plunger is operated up and down and a column of water is sucked up through the foot valve at the bottom and pours out through a side-outlet near the top.<br /><br />These were made of 3” galvanized tubing like stovepipe, usually 4, 5, or 6 feet long. The top 8” has a slight funnel shape so that the pump could be primed by pouring a bucket of water in the top. This was only necessary if the pump was permanently installed; when used as a portable pump for our outboard skiffs, we primed the pump by dipping whole thing, foot end first, into the Bay to fill the pipe with water.<br /><br />Just below the funnel top, a short length of tubing exited the pump at a slight downward angle from horizontal to serve as the discharge outlet. The bottom would have a cast fitting with 3 short little feet so that it wil always be able to draw water in. A weighted leather flap serves as the foot valve. The whole thing is soldered together securely.<br /><br />The plunger itself is a wooden dowel, ¾” diameter, with a tee-handle on top and a leather cup on the bottom. This leather used to be available as a replacement part, and resembles an upside-down cone, with the small end fitting tightly on the bottom tip of the plunger. The upper, large end has 3 or 4 leather straps attached to the plunger. On the upstroke, this leather is open and lifts the water column; on the downstroke, it collapses slightly.<br /><br />I would be grateful for any information about the pumps, and sources for spares. Thanks!<br /><br />Preston Larus, Sarasota FL<br />pblarus@yahoo.com
