What happened to this bilge pump?

Hi,

I have done a quick bit of lunchtime googling and come up with an interesting pdf doc related to the pump featured above.

http://www.safety-marine.co.uk/downloads/Attwood-HD-1700-Bilge-Pump-Instruction-Sheet.pdf?did=288

Even though it is described in it's own documentation as a Heavy Duty Bilge Pump it also carries a dis claimer that it is only for removing standing water , with the last two words in big letters.

It also states that contact with anything containing Acetic Acid such as Silicone Rubber Sealant can cause the plastic to crack and lead to pump failure.

Last but not least it also includes an interesting statement:

All Boats over 20' which have sleeping accommodations (excluding fold out cockpit seats) requires automatic bilge pump systems.

Anyone got any idea where this is written in stone?

Lars,

I have to agree with K1W1. If memory serves, Attwood bilge pumps are molded from ABS plastic, although they might be a high density styrene. Both the benzene in fuel as well as alcohol in ethanol based fuels will attack ABS or styrene. Not immediately, but if exposed for a prolonged period, the polymer will break down.