Re: bilge pump
i recomend and install two pumps on any boat, with a minimum rating of 1000 GPH each. the ratings are measured with no hose attached, free flow and usually at 14 volts input, after you install a 1000 GPH pump and run the hose, you're lucky if it will pump 500. I like to use the pumps that require1 1/8" hose, wire each to a switch, and each to an auto float( currently prefer the Sure Bail), that is hooked direectly to the batery using a resetable breaker rather than a fuse. I normally install one of the auto switches higher than the other and hook it to an alarm as well as the pump, that way if my primary pump isn't working, the secondary will alert me to the fact that i'm taking on water. Also use smooth wall hose, not the cheap corrigated hose,it will futher degrade the flow of your bilge pump. Install correct size thru hulls for the hose, not adapted fittings. Your bilge pump system should be able to at least keep up with the water flow coming in your boat if you leave the draiin plug out( you'd be surprised just how much water comes in that small hole
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