Today’s assignment was to carry out a Structural Survey on this Mediterranean 38ft River Cruiser. Back in the 1970's this Mediterranean 38 was the ultimate in relaxed luxury cruising.
Unfortunately last winter a hose fitted to the shower pump froze and burst and she partially sank. She was lifted the next day, the repair carried out and she was refloated. Her structure was still remarkably good in general, and it is considered that she is well worthy of refitting.
Surveyors Comments:
The ideal bilge pump arrangement is a small (400 gph) automatic bilge pump mounted in the sump to dispense with rain and shaft-gland leakage, combined with a high capacity pump (2,500 gph) mounted higher to deal with more serious ingress. Stepping the discharge hose from the small pump down to ½” minimises the backflow from the hose when the pump cycles, maintaining a dryer bilge. The large pump can be wired to a float switch if you prefer, but I think a manual switch makes more sense. An added advantage of this bilge pump configuration is that the high-capacity pump sits high and dry, extending its life indefinitely.
Electric bilge pumps cannot be relied upon in emergencies when electrical power may not be available. Always carry a hand operated pump to cover the worst eventuality.
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com
Unfortunately last winter a hose fitted to the shower pump froze and burst and she partially sank. She was lifted the next day, the repair carried out and she was refloated. Her structure was still remarkably good in general, and it is considered that she is well worthy of refitting.
Surveyors Comments:
The ideal bilge pump arrangement is a small (400 gph) automatic bilge pump mounted in the sump to dispense with rain and shaft-gland leakage, combined with a high capacity pump (2,500 gph) mounted higher to deal with more serious ingress. Stepping the discharge hose from the small pump down to ½” minimises the backflow from the hose when the pump cycles, maintaining a dryer bilge. The large pump can be wired to a float switch if you prefer, but I think a manual switch makes more sense. An added advantage of this bilge pump configuration is that the high-capacity pump sits high and dry, extending its life indefinitely.
Electric bilge pumps cannot be relied upon in emergencies when electrical power may not be available. Always carry a hand operated pump to cover the worst eventuality.
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com
