DOUBLE BILGE

Q: Hi Mick. My new Robalo R-272 only comes with one bilge pump, whereas my 2004 R-260 (a really good boat) has three. So, I’m going to install a second bilge pump. I am considering inserting a Y piece into the hose going to the overboard discharge and hooking up both pumps to the Y using a one-way valve in each line from the two pumps—one less hole in the side of the boat. What’s your take?

Jim Cohen Key Largo, Florida

A: Two pumps is a great idea! I like to install one slightly higher than the other. That way, it only gets used if the primary pump fails or the boat takes on a lot of water.

I would not recommend sharing the discharge line. For one thing, a failure or blockage of the line renders both pumps useless. Secondly, hose diameter is one of the biggest limiting factors with respect to pump capacity. Sharing the hose effectively cuts the diameter—and the combined pump capacity—in half.