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I am thinking about installing a 'backup' bilge pump for the bilge in my vista 258. I would like to plumb it into the already existing water hose for the other bilge pump so i don't have to drill out another exit. I don't want the exit water to simply go out the other bilge pump. Is there a check valve type concept so this won't happen?

Thanks - Ken

Ken,

There are check valves for bilge pumps - they are inline type of devices. I would recommend the following:

pump (1) followed by a inline check valve, connected to a 45 degree Y fitting (one end has the second pump, the other the outlet line) insert a second check valve after the Y fitting (between the Y fitting and the outlet overboard). The first check valve in combination with the Y 45 degree fitting would prevent back flow to pump 1, the second check valve would prevent backflow to the second pump.

P1 --- V1 --- Y --- V2 --- O
-
-
P2

P1 = Pump 1
V1 = check valve 1
Y = 45 degree fitting
P2 = Pump 2
V2 = check valve 2
O = outlet overboard

I would only recommend this if the second pump is to extract small amounts of water in a second location within the hull. If it is intended as an emergency pump for large extraction than you would want a second independent system. Mt Vista 298 has two independent systems. Given that you are mounting a second pump and adding hose, the only task left is the second outlet - not a big deal.

Mike

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2002 Vista 298 VP 5.0Gxi