Cutting a bilge pump well

[Paul Grecay]

My CD 28 is an older model (1976) which lacks the circular well for collecting bilge water in one place (such as I've seen in later model CD 28). Consequently, the bilge from the stuffing box sloshes around and the pump cannot get rid of all of it since there is some backflow from the hose and the pump will suck air before all of the water is completely gone. I would like to have a small well cut into the glass in the low point of the bilge that will hold a small scavanging bilge pump. I plan to plumb this into the pipe just below the galley sink. This should keep the bilge resonably dry. My concern is that if I cut into the glass, will I expose the lead or compromise the keel by allowing water to seep. I guess the real question is how far can one drill down before entereing the ballast cavity. I think the well only needs to be about 3/4" deep. Anyone have any experience or opinions on this? Thanks in advance.

Paul Grecay
CD 28 Peapod
Lewes, DE



pagrecay@aol.com

[D. Stump, Hanalei]

Paul,

Be REAL careful plumbing into the sink drain. When she heels, the drain is very close to if not below the water line. If plumbed to the bilge, you will fill her with water. This could ruin your day....

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei

[len]

paul

i think i'd let the water slosh around - there should be a check valve on the exit hose close to the bilge pump to prevent siphoning and that should minimize the problem

len



md.frel@nwh.org

[AnthonyP. Jeske]

Paul:
Why not build up in the existing sump to make a little well? I would think a properly shaped piece of glassed in wood or plastic would give you what you want without the risk of exposing the ballast, etc.
Tony

ajeske@ixpres.com