Replaced Original Fresh Water Pump! HUGE difference in noise and vibration

[BOSCBIJI]

Howdy folks - just thought I'd share a successful equipment update.

Our FW pump has tended to sound like something in between a giant woodpecker and a jackhammer since we've owned the boat these last few months. After scanning the forum and researching options, we went with a pump swap out.

I installed the SEAFLO 42 Series pump today (Amazon $65). Install went great. I pulled the original pump out (noticed that the original pump was mounted on some open cell insulation that had been compressed to the point it wasn't doing anything).

Applied the sound deadening pads and then installed the SEAFLO. Other than having to clean up the water and work at an odd angle below my backside, was straightforward.

Results are astounding. When the pump runs we can JUST BARELY detect a motor sound. In fact, it's masked by the sound of the water running in the sink(s).

Hugely impressed, I was skeptical this would make that significant a difference, but its night and day.

Enjoy!

 

[Submariner]

Howdy folks - just thought I'd share a successful equipment update.

Our FW pump has tended to sound like something in between a giant woodpecker and a jackhammer since we've owned the boat these last few months. After scanning the forum and researching options, we went with a pump swap out.

I installed the SEAFLO 42 Series pump today (Amazon $65). Install went great. I pulled the original pump out (noticed that the original pump was mounted on some open cell insulation that had been compressed to the point it wasn't doing anything).

Applied the sound deadening pads and then installed the SEAFLO. Other than having to clean up the water and work at an odd angle below my backside, was straightforward.

Results are astounding. When the pump runs we can JUST BARELY detect a motor sound. In fact, it's masked by the sound of the water running in the sink(s).

Hugely impressed, I was skeptical this would make that significant a difference, but its night and day.

Enjoy!

After 6 years, our factory OEM pump finally starting making loud noises when operating.

I just upgraded ours to the SeaFlo 43 last weekend.

 

[Diatom]

I just replaced mine for the same reason with a Marco UP3/e. Not as quiet as the Seaflo but a massive improvement. Not so simple as I expected: my C26 pump is located under copilot stairs forward of fridge; pulled the fridge & installed a 4" inspection port as there's but 5" of access against the hull; still not enough room - wound up doing it from below (pull a monkey fur panel from port/forward cave). Hoses were 5/8 ID braid, Marco is fem threaded with 3/8 BSPP thread - pump came w/o hose barbs, only available direct 3/8 BSPP to barb is for 1/2" ID hose. Had to bridge 1/2 with a reducing union. Installed a pseudo-accumulator (2 yards of braided hose on the output). Installed a smart-things water detector below the pump & output tee (reports thru BRNKL), used the occasion to mount a Ruuvi directly against the potable tank (reports thru Cerbo GX). One thing leads to another... galley faucet has been leaking, replaced with similar (Ambassador Stasis) model, piece of cake. One more water detector - done. Had a worse time with a dead macerator: direct replacement showed up with a figure-eighted o-ring, assembler had attempted to tighten to spec neatly slicing the o-ring in 2 places and leaving the outer gasket loose. I didn't notice it until installed and leaking profusely. Wait for a fixit kit... rip it out & replace gasket & o-ring... reinstall. In the process discovered there's no filter in the vent (order/wait/installed Big Orange), the blackwater tank threaded/gasketed 3" lid is split (order/wait/install), and the vent barb is located at the top of the aft wall of the tank (daft, invites contamination of the vent line). One last step remains - seal off that barb and install a Vetus port/vent atop the tank.

/Diatom

 

[Chimo]

After 6 years, our factory OEM pump finally starting making loud noises when operating.

I just upgraded ours to the SeaFlo 43 last weekend.

Did you need any new parts or adaptation?

 

[DDean]

We did everything we could to make the stock pump quieter for a few months but ended up replacing it with the standard Seaflow like yours shortly after buying our new R27.

Beyond me why FM would equip the boat with that pump. For the sake of $20 it was an ill researched choice.

 

[OverTime]

I just replaced the stock FWP on my 2025 R-29 CB with this little unit. I LOVE it. Super quite and the pressure is great now. (4.0gpm.) I took the opportunity to reposition the pump to make it a lot easier to access the strainer. The original pump failed because there were so many plastic shavings in the strainer and the suction line. (Most likely from drilling and tapping the access holes in the tank.) It was totally compacted and we only had a trickle of water, I'm surprised we even had that. The strainer was very difficult to access because they had jammed the pump way in the corner of the space , not sure why because there is plenty of room in there.

 

[Submariner]

I just replaced the stock FWP on my 2025 R-29 CB with this little unit. I LOVE it. Super quite and the pressure is great now. (4.0gpm.) I took the opportunity to reposition the pump to make it a lot easier to access the strainer. The original pump failed because there were so many plastic shavings in the strainer and the suction line. (Most likely from drilling and tapping the access holes in the tank.) It was totally compacted and we only had a trickle of water, I'm surprised we even had that. The strainer was very difficult to access because they had jammed the pump way in the corner of the space , not sure why because there is plenty of room in there.

That thing needs a red racing stripe or a yellow lightning bolt on the side of it. Looks sleek! 😎

 

[Chimo]

Howdy folks - just thought I'd share a successful equipment update.

Our FW pump has tended to sound like something in between a giant woodpecker and a jackhammer since we've owned the boat these last few months. After scanning the forum and researching options, we went with a pump swap out.

I installed the SEAFLO 42 Series pump today (Amazon $65). Install went great. I pulled the original pump out (noticed that the original pump was mounted on some open cell insulation that had been compressed to the point it wasn't doing anything).

Applied the sound deadening pads and then installed the SEAFLO. Other than having to clean up the water and work at an odd angle below my backside, was straightforward.

Results are astounding. When the pump runs we can JUST BARELY detect a motor sound. In fact, it's masked by the sound of the water running in the sink(s).

Hugely impressed, I was skeptical this would make that significant a difference, but its night and day.

Enjoy!

How does the bypass work? I couldn’t find a description on the Sureflo website?

 

[BOSCBIJI]

How does the bypass work? I couldn’t find a description on the Sureflo website?

NO idea...and to be clear, this isn't an accumulator solution where water is stored and distributed for short duration use. The pump seems turns on for any water use, just like the OEM...but its 90% quieter.

 

[DC3]

Seaflo has Seaflo 33 with an accumulator tank kit. 3.0 gpm at 45 psi. The Seaflo 42 is 3.0 gpm at 55 psi. How much psi is needed?
I am definitely up grading after two weeks on the boat listening to this water pump.

 

[Submariner]

Did you need any new parts or adaptation?

My install needed nothing extra... well, except for the 1 hose clamp that I stripped and had to replace. Pretty easy install. Better water pressure, no accumultor needed, quiet operation, no more pulsation.

 

[DC3]

Based on the post from

BOSCBIJI​

I just completed the install of a Seaflo 42. I also added a Seaflo accumulator to reduce pump run time. This is the best upgrade I have made to the boat so far and it was only about $100. The original pump was loud and create a vibration through the whole boat. Hugh improvement.

 

[Eagle 2]

Based on the post from

BOSCBIJI​

I just completed the install of a Seaflo 42. I also added a Seaflo accumulator to reduce pump run time. This is the best upgrade I have made to the boat so far and it was only about $100. The original pump was loud and create a vibration through the whole boat. Hugh improvement.

Do you have any pix of that install? As I recall, there is no room for an ACC tank in my 2016 CB 30, you may have a bigger spot for it than I do. Thx

 

[tcdillard]

After 6 years, our factory OEM pump finally starting making loud noises when operating.

I just upgraded ours to the SeaFlo 43 last weekend.

Hi Martin,

Did you choose the 43 over the 42 for the quick connect? And no accumulator needed? That sounds great! I'm not nearly as handy as you, but am going to try to switch out my factory installed pump with a SeaFlo, and if you have any tips regarding installation, I'm all ears. Many thanks,
Tom

 

[Submariner]

Hi Martin,

Did you choose the 43 over the 42 for the quick connect? And no accumulator needed? That sounds great! I'm not nearly as handy as you, but am going to try to switch out my factory installed pump with a SeaFlo, and if you have any tips regarding installation, I'm all ears. Many thanks,
Tom

I chose the SeaFlo 43 because it has the same quick disconnect fittings at the OEM pump. I still replaced the quick disconnect fittings on the hoses (as they had o-rings on. Easier to replace the fitting than replace just the o-rings). Quick tip... When you tug on them they'll be stuck. Use a heat gun to soften the hose and they'll pull right out, easy. And It doesn't take much heat.

The SeaFlo 43 product description says no accumulator needed. I decided to start with the pump as I could always add the accumulator later. Now that it's installed and tested, it's fine. We have solid water pressure and quiet operation without an accumulator.

One other tip... make working on it easy. Remove the lower cabinet door (take the door off at the hinges). Then you can lay down in front of the pump and easily work on it without the doors in the way.

The job is one of the easiest projects on the boat I've done.

 

[tcdillard]

I chose the SeaFlo 43 because it has the same quick disconnect fittings at the OEM pump. I still replaced the quick disconnect fittings on the hoses (as they had o-rings on. Easier to replace the fitting than replace just the o-rings). Quick tip... When you tug on them they'll be stuck. Use a heat gun to soften the hose and they'll pull right out, easy. And It doesn't take much heat.

The SeaFlo 43 product description says no accumulator needed. I decided to start with the pump as I could always add the accumulator later. Now that it's installed and tested, it's fine. We have solid water pressure and quiet operation without an accumulator.

One other tip... make working on it easy. Remove the lower cabinet door (take the door off at the hinges). Then you can lay down in front of the pump and easily work on it without the doors in the way.

The job is one of the easiest projects on the boat I've done.

View attachment 27646

Thanks Martin! I'll order one and give it go. I appreciate all your tips and advice.

 

[abastos]

I joined the team last weekend. I replaced my Jabsco 5 vFlo, which was struggling to hold pressure and making a loud noise when running, with a SEAFLO 56A. Like Martin, I prefer a pump with quick-connect fittings. The whole swap took me just 25 minutes.

Very happy with the results. Great flow, quiet operation, and no accumulator needed.

​

 

[tcdillard]

I joined the team last weekend. I replaced my Jabsco 5 vFlo, which was struggling to hold pressure and making a loud noise when running, with a SEAFLO 56A. Like Martin, I prefer a pump with quick-connect fittings. The whole swap took me just 25 minutes.

Very happy with the results. Great flow, quiet operation, and no accumulator needed.

​

Hi Alex, I'm on the verge of doing the same, but now I need to learn why you went with the 56A over the 43? More pressure? Thanks!

 

[DC3]

Here is a picture of the new pump and accumulator. The C32 has a hatch just inside the door. There plenty of room.

 

[abastos]

Hi Alex, I'm on the verge of doing the same, but now I need to learn why you went with the 56A over the 43? More pressure? Thanks!

I chose the 56A to match the old pump, 5 GPM flow, which imho is very good, specially for the shower. It was a quick process, feel free to send me a message if you want more details about the process, but I can tell you, it was easier than I thought.