Large Edson bilge pump / rescue pump project

[85MonarkVC]

I have been looking for a good manual Edson bilge pump for my boat - one that pumps a gallon per stroke. This is a little more than I need - but I couldn't resist a good deal.

I picked up this Edson electric 2" inlet/outlet bilge/dewatering pump on Ebay this weekend for $102.50. This pump retails for close to $3000. These pumps can self-prime and are also made to run dry indefinitely if needed. They will pump anything including sand & sludge.

Here is the pump I bought:
http://cgi.ebay.com/EDSON-MODEL-120-DIA ... dZViewItem

Here is the maker's website:
http://www.edsonpumps.com/pumps_dia/diaphragm.php

They take a manual pump (1 gallon per stroke) and add a gear box and motor. Here is the manual pump that my electric version uses:
http://www.edsonpumps.com/pumps_man/P-07/P-117BR-07.pdf

When I got the pump home I discovered the pump was like new and was the MARINE BRONZE pump. I was really glad. The white coating was hiding this feature.

It is much heavier than I thought. I will have to have a generator for electricity if I want to use it on my boat or somewhere else. 3/4hp motor draws 8.4 amps of 115. Today I am going to call Edson and check the price to convert it to a manual if I want. All I need is a couple pieces like the handle lever. All these pumps are built the same and are used with different accessories for different applications.

The Edsons are also used in pump boats. It can be converted to a 3.5 gas engine, but this pump out boat builder switched from the gas to the electric:
http://www.pumpoutboats.com/23ftpumpoutboats.html

This has become my end of year project.... I was looking for a backup to my small 12v. Rule in the bilge. I am happy with my find, but it is a bit large, maybe I should find a larger boat to match my pump. :)

Has anyone else had any experience or applications for large diaphram pumps like this Edson?

[welder]

85, your gonna go to jail for stealing , that's a heck of a deal on that pump.

From what I remember , those pumps are bullet proof and require minimal maint.