Prop shaft driven bilge pump - information needed

[yachtwork]

I'm looking for information on the prop shaft driven bilge pump. Anybody ever use one? Heard any stories? Are they good? Do they move enough water? Does the water level have to get too high before they work?

There just does not seem to be much on the net about it.

Thanks
Scott

[ScarabChris]

Never seen that before but it looks like a good idea. From that pic it does look like the water needs to be pretty high before it starts sucking.

Another emergency pump commonly used in larger boats is known as a crash pump. This is nothing more than a T and a valve coming off the raw water intake. In the event of a major leak you open the valve and the engine starts sucking cooling water from the bilge and it goes out the exhaust.

[Fiberglass magic]

I have 2 crash pumps like the ones pictured ,new in the box and for sale.631 252 6255

[c_mccann]

A crash valve is less parts to wear out than a pump. Nothing against the pumps for sale, just Murphy and his stupid law....

[number9]

Here's a link to the manufacture's site.
http://www.pumpitout.nf.ca/
If you search for Ericson Safety Pump there's some info available.

[commuter boats]

I've heard good things about those pumps, parts don't touch so there's no wear, acts as a ventilator ( pulling air from low in the bilge), and can move a tremendous amount of water. But yes, it does take a lot of water before they'll start pumping unless you have a single and the pump is mounted in the shaft alley.

[yachtwork]

Thanks for the information. I just ordered one and we'll see. I also got an idea about the commercial viability of these and I'll move that to the classified adds.

Thanks again for the info. It helped a lot.
Scott

[thataway]

Depends on shaft speed. If you have a trawler type of vessel there will be a 3/1 reduction and poor output. Also look where the water level has to be before the pump primes and begins to pump! Many boats would have the tranny under the water by then.
I would put my faith in a purpose "trash pump" if I really was expecting to move some large amounts of water. Look at the size of the pump, the speed of the gas motor and the diameter of these, and that will tell you how much water will really be pumped.