Water Pumps

[Fisherman]

Doing some more research for my next boat. I want to have a raw water pickup that will feed into a pump that will provide water to the following: 2 wash down hoses (with plenty of of volumne...none of that 4 gpm type), a 30 gallond bait tank, and a bleed tank. In addition, I want the option to pump water into the fish hold(s). I would like to be able to run all systems at the same time without pressure drop.

I am planning to power the boat with twin ETEC OB's. Would I be better off installing a large central pump, or an individual pump for each outlet?

On my current boat I have an electric pump that feeds both the washdown hose and the bleed tank. I have a pressure relief valve on the pumbing that maintains the set pressure to the washdown, and any extra water may be diverted to the bleed tank. That way when the washdown hose is not in use, the full volumne of water goes to the bleed tank.

So, is the best route to install a central pump (if so, any suggestions?) or install many individual electric pumps? How are other boats set up?

[Chaps]

You will want the bait tank to have a dedicated pump sized to fill the tank at a proper rate and of low power consumption so you can run it constantly even with engines off without wiping out your battery. The washdown typically works most conveniently with a purpose designed high pressure pump that switches on automatically when you open a spray nozzle. I could see doing the holds and bleed tank off of another bait tank pump switched manually with valves to direct water to either hold or bleed and also perhaps plumb it so it could do back-up duty in case your primary bait tank water supply failed. Put a flow alarm on the feed to the bait tank that alerts you if something happens to impede or stop the flow, you don't ever want to lose your bait.

[markh2000]

Fisherman,
If you decide to go with separate pumps, take a look at our aerator/livewell pumps and accessories, we have the screened intake fittings, thru hull fittings with screens for the outflow, and a control switch http://pacificpowertraininc.com/product ... tor-pumps/
Also our 51 series washdown pump is rated at 5.5 GPM at 60 psi http://pacificpowertraininc.com/product ... 51-series/