Water pump suppliers in the UK/ HMS Unseen

[bonky]

Hi, have been away from this site for so long - sorry. The Gato build is soon to be resurrected but I've become interested in building a scaled -up version of HMS Unseen - a wooden model, the plans for which have been published in IMM magazine recently. The sub model (based loosely on a RN "O" class such as the preserved HMS Ocelot - (google it!)) is now long and wide enough for me to convert it, eventually, from a dynamic diver to one which has ballast tanks. I favour the Sherwood design of a water pump pumping water into a sealed and thus pressurised tank; my question is, after a long preamble, is what water pump to use? Some, I know, deride the use of car windscreen washer motors and I also realise from another UK-based member that there is also http://www.micropumps.co.uk/ -(but perhaps too weak?).

Also, I'd welcome messages from other IMM "Unseen" sub-builders.

BW

Bonky/RTJ

[david h]

Hello,

The windscreen washer pumps work

Hello,

The windscreen washer pumps work perfectly. I have been using one of the sealed waterproof pumps for the last 6 years and swear by them. no problems at all. just make sure you're running at least 12v to get enough grunt.

These boats will dive relatively quickly ,but surfacing can be a little slow. But a very relaible system. just make sure that the plumbing to strong and will not come lose!

regards,

David H

[raalst]

try a local caravan/mobilhome shop.

try a local caravan/mobilhome shop. they have submersible pumps for
the drinkingwater tanks/taps at 12 volts. one brand is called Kavan.

I believe these are gear pumps.

[Guest]

The pump OTW use might

The pump OTW use might be a bit on the large side for that model.

Best pump for that model is the little orange fuel pump that Ripmax supply (available from most good model shops).

About £10, so it won't break the bank.

http://www.ripmax.com/item.asp?itemid=L ... ory=125-60

[bonky]

Water Pumps/HMS Unseen

Thanks for the replies - great - I can make use of those straight away.

I've amended my post -it's a Sherline protocol I was basing the design on - and not OTW.

Sub -Culture; the ripmax pump says 'glow-fuel only'. Have you experience of it as a water pump?

Again, many thanks,

BW

Bonky/RTJ

[Guest]

Re: Water Pumps/HMS Unseen

Sub -Culture; the Ripmax pump says 'glow-fuel only'. Have you experience of it as a water pump?

It works fine with water- it's actually designed for that purpose.Lot of guys using them. You will need a check valve however if you're pumping into a sealed tank.

[bonky]

Re: Water Pumps/HMS Unseen

Sub -Culture; the Ripmax pump says 'glow-fuel only'. Have you experience of it as a water pump?

It works fine with water- it's actually designed for that purpose.Lot of guys using them. You will need a check valve however if you're pumping into a sealed tank.

Hi, what kind of valve is this please? Where can I get one in the UK?

Thanks

BW

RTJ/Bonky

[Guest]

There are various options for

There are various options for a check valve, but as I said, this is only necessary if you're pumping into a sealed tank.

Best thing to do is get the boat going as a dynamic diver, then think about a ballast system when you're comfortable with the boat.

[Guest]

Peristaltic pumps work well, but

Peristaltic pumps work well, but they do tend to be rather slow and bulky when compared like for like with a geared pump.

Norbert Brueggen uses a peristalitic pump in his little Delta submersible kit. Thunder tiger copied this with their Neptune kit.

They have the advantage of not requiring a check valve, but tend to work best where a small ballast tank is desirable.