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6 volt bilge pump replacement

Your old Chris-Craft electrical system can be a challenge. If it runs on "juice" pose your questions and offer your advice here.

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solopar
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6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by solopar » Wed May 22, 2013 8:29 am

I have a '57 Capri that is wired for 6 volt operation. When I got the boat, there were 3, 6 volt bilge pumps, 2 of which are working. I wanted to replace the dead pump, but I am having trouble finding a new(or at least one in working order) 6 volt pump.

I know that hooking a 6 volt pump to a 12 battery would be a huge no-no, but how about the other way around. Can you hook a 12 volt pump to a 6 volt battery? I did some testing and the 12 volt pump works, but pumps only 150 GPH instead of the rated 500 GPH.

I can probably live with the lower output, but it is safe?

Regards,
Bart

sproat3
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Re: 6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by sproat3 » Wed May 22, 2013 9:14 pm

Bart-
I'm an electrical engineer and have a '60 Capri (with 12V system). I strongly suggest you do not use the 12 V pump with a six volt system. Besides the lower pump output, the motor will overheat if it runs for a period of time and a couple bad things can happen: 1) Motor failure with a locked rotor which will draw high amps causing a either a fuse to blow if the circuit is fused, or cause a short circuit, or 2) an overheated wire and motor, both a potential cause of a fire and probably disable your other pumps. Sorry I can't help with a source for 6 V pumps.
Ward
1960 Chris Craft Capri (Tahoe Heidi)

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tkhersom
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Re: 6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by tkhersom » Thu May 23, 2013 5:31 am

I just tried googling "6 volt bilge pump" and came up with several units, howver upon inspection most were actually 12 volt. :?

Here is one.

http://www.lovettmarine.com/pumps/900-bilge-pump.asp

I am sure there must be more.
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

Greg Wallace
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Re: 6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by Greg Wallace » Thu May 23, 2013 8:07 am

I'm pretty sure that Lovett is the only remaining 6volt supplier. Very expensive and I have experienced "underwhelming" overall performance and longevity. Unless your bilge water is very clean and void of sediment or other contaminants you can expect the auto switch to stick. This might be mitigated by how much (or little) your boat leaks.

If you need 3 pumps I will assume you have a greater than average moisture "intrusion" issue. Options include 12volt conversion or a high capacity 12v on a seperate deep cycle battery (12v) . The Optima type is a good choice and you can hide it anywhere it will fit... even upside down. This can be maintained with a "Battery Tender" type charger when you're on the trailer or dockside. They have a lot of capacity and the pump will run for a long time on a charge. I used this method on a real leaky 1940 22U until the new bottom went on.

If you find another 6 volt pump supplier please post.
Greg Wallace 23 Custom 22166 former Chris-Craft dealer Russells Point, Oh.

jim g
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Re: 6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by jim g » Thu May 23, 2013 10:31 am

Lovett shipped everything to china a couple of years ago and according to the suppliers I use they pretty much don't have anything. Basically out of business.

Greg Wallace
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Re: 6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by Greg Wallace » Thu May 23, 2013 12:15 pm

Looks like we are going to need a 6 to 12volt inverter for all the purists out there or convince the ACBS that the 6 to 12 conversion is now safety related due to pump availability and not subject to deduction.

Scratch that....we still have the hand jobs....I mean pumps.
Greg Wallace 23 Custom 22166 former Chris-Craft dealer Russells Point, Oh.

farupp
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Re: 6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by farupp » Thu May 23, 2013 2:49 pm

Can't wait for the comments!
Frank Rupp
1959 22-foot Sea Skiff Ranger
283 Flywheel Forward engine

Theurkauf
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Re: 6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by Theurkauf » Sat May 25, 2013 6:51 am

I faced the same problem and could never track down a 6 volt pump. There are threads/vendors that say you can run a 12 volt pump on a 6 volt system, and the pumps do run but the unit I tried was pretty anemic and I worried about overheating. I decided to try a 6 volt to 12 volt converter rated to 5 amps (e-bay, $60). I believe my pump is rated at 1.5 amps @ 12V, so this seemed reasonable. Worked flawlessly all of last year. The difference in pump performance relative to the straight 6 volt as very clear. No verdict on long term reliability, but so far so good. Anyone else tried this?

solopar
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Re: 6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by solopar » Sun May 26, 2013 11:55 am

I like the concept of a 6-12 volt converter, that seems like it would be safe a reliable. I like taking things apart (left over habit from childhood), so I cut the plastic case open and removed the motor. It is a basic motor made by Johnson Pumps and you can find the 6 volt variety on ebay. I guess that a lot of guys with remote controlled boats use this type of motor. Anyway, the dimensions are the same on the motors. I'll get a new 6 volt motor, replace the 12 volt motor, re-seal the pump housing and I'll be in business (I think). I'll update the thread with my results.

solopar
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Re: 6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by solopar » Sun May 26, 2013 12:05 pm

Actually check this out:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-volt-to-6-vo ... 5f&vxp=mtr

I just found this converter on ebay for only $20. I just ordered it as it seems like the way to go.

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tkhersom
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Re: 6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by tkhersom » Sun May 26, 2013 2:28 pm

solopar wrote:Actually check this out:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-volt-to-6-vo ... 5f&vxp=mtr

I just found this converter on ebay for only $20. I just ordered it as it seems like the way to go.
But that is the wrong direction. He wants to use a 12V pump in a 6V system.

This is a resistor that drops the voltage in a 12V system to work a 6V pump.

Good Luck! :P
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

Theurkauf
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Re: 6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by Theurkauf » Mon May 27, 2013 6:29 am

Get the direction right! I'm running a 12 volt Johnson cartridge pump on a 6 volt system, with a 6 to 12 volt converter. So far, so good.

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drrot
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Re: 6 volt bilge pump replacement

Post by drrot » Fri Mar 29, 2019 1:51 pm

As of 03/29/2019 Six volt pumps are available at http://www.finewoodboats.com/bilgepumps.htm
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

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