moodybod
Full Member
Sun Odyssey 45 Performance WILD DREAM
Posts: 47
|
Post by moodybod on Nov 2, 2010 23:00:42 GMT
Anyone modified the fridge drain on a Sun Odyssey? At present with the plug removed the condensate drains to the bilge where it needs to build up some depth before the pump will operate. Is it possible to fit a pump below the unit and drain via a fitting in the sink drain overboard? Both fridge and cool box need to drain this way but I have yet to explore access below the units. Perhaps others have found another way to tackle this problem or indeed have left the original arrangement and had no trouble with pumping the bilge. Be interested in your solutions.
|
|
|
|
Post by sailbleu on Nov 3, 2010 7:10:59 GMT
Why would you install a special pump for that tiny bit of water coming from the fridges ?
Besides , accessing those drains is a bit of a nightmare.
Unless you have loads of spare time of course.
With all due respect , but this sounds like much ado about nothing.
|
|
moodybod
Full Member
Sun Odyssey 45 Performance WILD DREAM
Posts: 47
|
Post by moodybod on Nov 3, 2010 9:10:05 GMT
The small amount was 25/30mm deep in both the fridge and cool box. Not a huge amount but generated over 2 days aboard. Enough in the cool box to wash around anything packed in cardboard and soften the packaging. Will monitor and decide when I can.
|
|
|
|
Post by flightdeck on Nov 4, 2010 0:47:54 GMT
just a thought could you have a small bottle / container in the bilge, which doesn't interfere with the pump, extend the hose from fridge into the container and get the water out that way.
I have same issue at time's, but I just sponge it out to avoid it sitting in the bilge.
Cheers
|
|
|
|
Post by sailbleu on Nov 4, 2010 6:31:21 GMT
You can also put a timer switch (parallel on the floaterswitch or straight to pump) that starts the bilgepump on a regular basis. Less work than installing an extra pump or containers.
Or better yet , rearrange the floaterswitch (for instance add a small floater underneath the arm) in a way so it switches sooner.
|
|
|
|
Post by rene460 on Nov 9, 2010 6:45:29 GMT
Hi Moodybod, On our SO 30i we generally carry an block of ice in the fridge to ensure that it all stays cold when we do not run the fridge, i.e. when sailing and winter sun is not sufficient with our solar panel (which is a bit small anyway) and overnight. We just empty the fridge regularly with a plastic jug, and finish with a chamois. It is not too hard, but some things being stored obviously have to be kept out of the water. I would not drain it into the bilge, as the bilge is very flat and would require many liters to start the pump. Anyway it would never pump dry. Our fridge drain came equipped with a hose that ends clearly accessible in the bilge near the pump, a very neat arrangement. If you have the same system, you could make up a hose fitting to the end of the drain pipe in the fridge and attach a small hand pump when required. It is easily accessible by lifting a floor board. Pump into a small bucket (ice cream container) and empty down the sink. If the drain hose is not there, it would be worth considerable effort to fit one, a once off job, and dry bilges ever after.
rene460
|
|
|
|
Post by Admiral on Nov 10, 2010 0:07:26 GMT
I thought you might be interested in a very neat solution that is found on some Beneteau boats. A seawater pump (normally foot operated) is fitted with the faucet at the sink. In the locker under the sink is a diverter valve that allows the pump to suck from the fridge drain and discharge into the sink. I like this idea very much. I would never allow our fridge to drain into the bilge nor the PRV on the calorifier and certainly not the siphon break discharge.
Hope this helps.
Admiral
|
|
moodybod
Full Member
Sun Odyssey 45 Performance WILD DREAM
Posts: 47
|
Post by moodybod on Nov 10, 2010 10:46:16 GMT
I have sailed on Beneteau with a foot pump/faucet system and could be the way to go especially if I can connect into an existing drain pipe in the bilge. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.
|
|
|
|
Post by touchngo on Sept 16, 2011 19:07:23 GMT
The comment about the seawater pump on the Bene, is exactly how things are set up on our SO40. We have a 2 way valve/sea cock that allows the seawater pump to draw from the skin fitting or from the bottom of the fridge. This then drains into the sink.
Hope this helps (I know it's an old thread but I was looking for the one on the LED replacement bulbs off of Ebay).
PT.
|
|
|
|
Post by sailbleu on Sept 17, 2011 4:26:04 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by touchngo on Sept 20, 2011 8:29:53 GMT
Thanks Sailbleu! That was the thread I was looking for, and your link was even better! Ordering now!
PT.
|
|
|
|
Post by Anwen (Deep Joy) on Sept 27, 2011 18:34:38 GMT
A bit late, but on my SO32, I never open the drain plug in the fridge, preferring to sponge it out regularly. I find that when we are away on a cruise, provided we keep the fridge running and reasonably full, there is very little build up of condensate in the bottom. I would be reluctant to let the fridge drain to the bilge, as the chances are there would be some organic matter in the condensate which would lead to odours.
|
|
