Photos by Frank Lanier and courtesy of Coghlan’sPhotos by Frank Lanier and courtesy of Coghlan’s
288
One of the more unsanitary shipboard practices is draining showers directly into the bilge, a setup that not only generates odors, but also introduces pump-clogging hair and soap scum into the bilge. A common aftermarket solution is mounting a gravity-fed sump beneath the shower pan, which collects the water and automatically pumps it overboard or to a gray-water tank, using a small submersible pump and float switch mounted inside.
A second option is connecting the shower drain hose directly to a diaphragm pump, eliminating the need for a sump, as well as the odors and mechanical float failures often associated with them. Instead of an automatic float, users turn on the pump manually when showering, then off again when finished.
Practical Sailor recently had the opportunity to review a product with a new take on the latter option: the Gulley IC (Intelligent Control) from Whale, a company synonymous with marine water systems. The Gulley IC is a pre-wired system comprising a “smart” shower drain and a self-priming diaphragm pump. The shower Gulley has a built-in, electronic, water-sensing switch that automatically turns the pump on when water is present and off once the shower is dry.
The components are well-engineered and robustly constructed (backed by a two-year warranty), and the streamlined design of the Gulley will be a bonus for those with limited installation space beneath the shower pan. The 12-foot-long control cable (from gulley to pump) features waterproof connectors, offering numerous options for mounting the pump away from the corrosive bilge environment. (The pump is self priming to 12 feet.) Other features include a “soft-start/stop” function for gentle pump activation and long pump life.
At $243 online, the Gulley IC system is more expensive than a conventional pre-engineered sump, which can be found for around $120; however, the Gulley promises greater reliability and presents a good compromise between cost, ease of installation, and convenience. We’re installing a unit on one of our test boats to see whether it lives up to the hype; stay tuned for updates on its performance in future issues.
Photos by Frank Lanier and courtesy of Coghlan’sPhotos by Frank Lanier and courtesy of Coghlan’s
288
Photos by Frank Lanier and courtesy of Coghlan’s
Lack of storage and keeping stuff dry are two problems that most sailors can relate to. During a recent cruise, Practical Sailor testers had the opportunity to check out two solutions from Coghlan’s, a Canada-based outdoor accessories maker.
Coghlan’s 15-liter Compression Sack is a great space-saving tool for towels, jackets, or other bulky items—either for onboard storage or for dinghy rides ashore. Our testers used it to compress clothes and beach towels, making them easier to carry in a backpack.
Made of heavy-duty 21D nylon, the compression sack features four adjustable straps, a Cord-Lock closure, a nylon-webbing handle on top, and a zippered top and bottom that turns the empty sack into a cleverly designed, Frisbee-sized self-storage package. It also comes in 10 liter (about 2½ gallons) and 30 liter (about 8 gallons) sizes.
Coghlan’s 25-liter Dry Bag is constructed of 40D nylon, a lightweight, rip-stop fabric that testers found packs down better than bulkier, conventional dry bags. Construction is similar to other lightweight dry bags with a roll-top closure and fastening buckle (which doubles as a carrying handle), a round bottom, and fully taped seams. While the dry bag is not designed for prolonged submersion or electronics storage, testers found it to be the perfect solution to keeping items dry during dinghy rides to shore and back.
