How to Plan a Marine Pump Out Station

How to Plan a Marine Pump Out Station
Marina Pump Out

What Does A Marine Pump Out Station Do?

A marine pump out station is a facility that allows for boat owners to pump out sewage from their boat’s holding tanks. Having a pump out station for boats is essential for maintaining clean waterways and preventing pollution.

Importance of Planning Your Marine Pump Out Station

Planning a marine pump out station ensures optimal functionality and waste management at your marina. The process involves knowing your marina’s available space, daily traffic and average vessel size to ensure you are getting the appropriate equipment. Consulting other marinas and marine pump experts ahead of when you actually need it installed can also provide valuable insights.

Wastecorp, a leading marine pump out manufacturer, has over the past few years observed an emerging trend: marinas experiencing increased boat and yacht traffic. In fact, it’s forecasted that the recreational boat market will reach USD 27.45 billion by 2030. As such, it’s crucial that your current marine pump out plan can also accommodate future growth effectively.

Tips & Considerations When Planning a Marine Pump Out Station

Consult Industry Experts

Firstly, we have Bob H. from Victoria, BC, Canada, who wants to run his idea for a marine pump out station past our marine pump systems engineers. Read his statement below:

“We are currently in the preliminary planning and investigation stage to determine the viability, best configuration, and cost of installing a pump-out system at our Yacht Club. The current option being considered is to install a duplex pump-out station at the outside float, approximately 600 ft. from shore. I assume that the station would be capable of sucking out the raw sewage from a holding tank and transfer it to the fixed gravity sewer on shore via a 2” force main.

 Any assistance with this pump out planning effort would be appreciated. I am scheduled to present a concept (or options) later this month to our planning committee. The process will likely include a complete review of options, recommendation to the board, followed by budget approval and implementation. Thanks.” – Bob H.

Bob H. knows the value of consulting with industry experts. Even with a basic plan in mind, there are still gaps that only an expert can fill. They can leverage their expertise to aide you through the planning process, from placement and equipment selection to system configuration.

Location: Remote or On-Deck Pumping

Knowing how to choose the right placement for your pump out station will lead to its efficient use. You want to find a spot that is easy for boats to get to and will lessen congestion. Therefore, you will want to keep in mind the dock space, varied boat sizes, traffic etc. As Bob has opted for remote pumping, it is recommended that the float be about 400-500 ft. from shore for optimal use. If this is not an option, you can go with a pump out boat. However, these tend to cost from $30,000-$75,000 depending on the size and style. The double pump out Bob mentions ranges from $6000-$8000. You can check out more marine pump options here.

On the other hand, you may want to opt for on-deck pumping. This is the preferred choice if you have limited water space, or need to accommodate varying boat sizes and configurations. Speaking to an expert is the best way to figure out the optimal location for your marina’s pump out station.

Choosing the Right Pump Out Equipment

Next, the right pump out equipment is crucial for the success of your marine pump out station. Wastecorp designs double pump out Mud Sucker diaphragm pumps that are capable of transferring up to 160 GPM, offering convenient bilge pumping for boaters and able to handle increased traffic. A good option for Bob would be the Mud Sucker 3FA-ECDD. Though, we would suggest using a single suction and discharge option if you are only using the pump out to empty a holding tank.

Funding Options

In the US, states have the Clean Vessel Act which provides grants to marinas installing new pump out equipment. If you are in Canada, you should look into if there is a provincial equivalent.

Conclusion

All in all, planning a marine pump out station requires careful consideration of several factors. Type of boats that dock at the marina, the marina layout, the type of pump out equipment needed, and the overall budget, all need to be considered. With a solid plan, you can ensure the success of your pump out station for years to come. Contact Wastecorp today for your next marine pump out station project.

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