FAST FLOW emergency bilge pumps are designed for easy installation without removing the boat shaft and are available in various sizes to fit most vessels.  The pump case and split impeller allow installation without removal of the boat shaft.  

Each 2" pump is shipped with shaft bushing inserts that fit the most common shaft diameters.  If the inserts are not the correct size, they can be bored by a machine shop to fit your shaft diameter.  Each impeller is shaped like a flywheel and factory balanced and should not cause any shaft vibration. 

Every boat engine compartment is different and there are several approved methods for accomplishing a quality installation.  

Site Selection:  

The ideal location for the FAST FLOW emergency bilge pump is between the stuffing box and gear box in the engine compartment, making sure that there is sufficient room for the pump system and tie-down.

Alternate installation can be accomplished wherever there is room available on the propeller shaft.

First install the lower pump case and measure for the mounting bracket.  It is best to "check fit" with the lower pump case and then mount the impeller to insure that there is plenty room for the installation. 

 

Impeller Installation:

Measure the exact shaft size and select the correct impeller bushing to provide a tight compression fit. 

Insert the correct bushing into the impeller.

Tighten the impeller Allen screws alternately for a equal compression fit. 

To validate correct impeller installation:  With a feeler gauge, measure and match the gap between the impeller halves.

 

Pump Case Installation:

Check rotation of the shaft making sure that the impeller blades are turning toward the pump discharge.

Center the pump case to the impeller.  CAUTION:  The impeller must not touch the housing.

Tighten the four (4) pump case bolts evenly and alternately.

Firmly secure the FAST FLOW emergency bilge pump case to either engine, transmission, or boat structure. 

 There are several methods for doing this: 

·         Ideally, the pump is attached with an aluminum angle bracket to the engine or gear box (first illustration at the left). 

·         Some customers attach the housing to the engine foundation using an aluminum angle. 

·         Others attach the bracket to the keelson stringer supports.   Some brackets can be slotted to be moved up or down and on an angle to  align with the shaft height. 

·         Another method is to install fiberglassed marine grade hardwood blocks to permanently hold the pump case in proper position (second illustration at the left).

CAUTION:    It is important to secure the pump housing and double check to see that the impeller is not touching the pump case. Before starting the engine and turning the shaft, make sure the impeller is not touching the pump case.  Verify that the rotation is correct so that the pump blades spin toward the discharge of the pump.

Hull Installation/Discharge Connections:

The discharge hose can be attached with either hard piping or with a flexible hose.  We recommend that safety Camlock hose fittings be installed on the male pipe threaded pump outlet. 

The discharge hose hull fitting must attach above the water line.  A stainless steel thru-hull fitting can be installed and attached to the hose. 

Below water line thru-hull fittings with non-return valves are not an approved or acceptable installation.

We recommend using quality Camlock safety fittings or quality Tee-clamps.  You may also permanently band clamp the hose to the discharge fitting.  All fittings should be stainless steel or marine grade aluminum.

Once the FAST FLOW pump is correctly installed, when your engine shaft is turning, your emergency pump is working.