Washdown Pump Installation

Washdown pumps are becoming more and more popular, especially on fishing boats, where they make cleanup almost a pleasure. And they aren’t difficult to install. The heart of any washdown system is, of course, the pump. Wander down the aisles of any boat store and you will see a wide variety of washdown pumps. Many are simply relabeled freshwater pumps. Washdown pumps are often three- or four-chambered diaphragm pumps driven by a 12-volt DC motor, and are typically rated to deliver 2.8 to 5 gallons per minute (gpm). They come equipped with a pressure switch that turns the pump on when the pressure in the delivery hose falls below about 45 pounds per square inch (psi). Less commonly used are belt-driven diaphragm pumps and flexible impeller pumps. Be sure to check the duty rating of the pump motor. Freshwater system pumps are designed to turn on, pump water for a short period of time, and then shut off. Your washdown pump, on the other hand, may have to run for a long period of time while you sluice your decks. If not rated for continuous duty, the pump motor could overheat.

New Boat or Used Boat ?

Perhaps this is the key thinking for those who want to have their first ‘dream boat’. Should I buy a brand new boat, or a used one..? Boats, like cars, have negotiable prices. Nobody pays the sticker price. You can get 10 percent off the sticker price for sure, and maybe more if the boat dealer needs to make a sale to pay the rent. If you buy used, you can save lots more. Here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of buying new versus buying used.
If you buy a brand new boat …

Adding an Anchor Electric Windlass

There is no doubt that an electric windlass on the bow of your boat makes life aboard more enjoyable. This is especially true if you are an avid fisherman, frequently lowering and raising your anchor while moving from one fishing spot to another. When thinking about a windlass installation, first consider your boat. A boat with a substantial foredeck or cuddy cabin is a good bet for an easy installation. The open bow of a walkaround or bowrider configuration presents a more difficult proposition, however. The first step is to look to the boat’s manufacturer, even if you intend to install the windlass yourself. See if a windlass is a prescribed option for your boat. If so, find out how the manufacturer mounts it and which units they use. Failing that, ask owners of boats similar to yours what they have done and how it has worked out. If you get blanks, head back to the drawing board for some more research.