My winter projects brought me to some uncharted territory in Soave.
One of the discoveries is a 2’ length of hose connected to a very coarse screen with a rubber flapper positioned to prevent backflow in any significant volume. This was found under the waste tank over Soave’s bilge/ keel bolts. Google identified it as a Beckson STV 1 1/2" Bilge Strainer.
The hose type and vintage is that same as the hose used for Soave’s manual bilge pump. I believe the hose was damaged or cut a very long time ago, it will take some effort to find the end, my plan is to replace the entire length from the manual bilge pump to the lowest point in Soave’s bilge.
My questions are :
Some of the folks I’ve shown this part to are skeptical that it adds value. They say they’d worry when needed there would be a good chance floating debris clogging it. My inclination is to keep it. The strainer end seems easier ( to me ) to clear than a clogged pump.
The hose section I found was not secured. I’m guessing best practice is to secure the strainer low in the bilge about an inch off the bottom, so floating debris will be above it and heavy debris will be lower than it.
Sound about right ? Any PM work I should do on the manual pump or just test it after installing the new hose ?
Thanks,
Rob Cohen
s/v SOAVE
NS33 #009
Cedar Point YC
Westport, CT
It appears that the flapper lays against the screen and is retained by the center screw. If it gets fouled I’d expect that the result would be failure to close. That would allow backflow but probably would allow flow in the direction of the pump. I would install it vertically aft of the holding tank location. If you are permanently removing the holding tank, then secure the fitting at the lowest part of the bilge.
The manual pump is likely due for new inlet and outlet valves and a diaphragm.
Thanks Ward. Good idea to service the pump while I’m replacing the broken hose. I’m starting to suspect the hose was damaged by a freeze event a long time ago and went unnoticed because it was under the waste tank.
I’m ordering replacement parts for the pump. TBD if I install them now or keep them as spares, external inspection of the pump looks fairly new. I’ve determined it’s a Whale Gusher 10 Mk3 Manual Bilge Pump. The parts kits come in two flavors nitrile or neoprene. Both are about the same cost ( $50 ). Photo ( HERE )
I’m wondering which material is better for our application. Thinking nitrile ( on the off chance the bilge has oil mixed ) , but wondering if anyone has given this any thought. None of the parts in the pump kit ever see sunlight unless the lazarette is open.
There is also a deckplate Gaiter kit ( sold separately ).
Maintenance tasks are getting easier, and spending money on parts less painful.
Rob Cohen
s/v SOAVE
NS33 #009
Cedar Point YC
Westport, CT
PS - Posting on Google Groups so both audiences will have access.