Bilge Pump Question

[SHAFT]

I'm adding a auto float switch to my bilge pump for the times it's in the water overnight sometimes for a couple of days , I think I will use a 2 position switch , which let me set it ot manual / auto / off , off so I don't run the battery down or burn up the pump If the auto switch sticks on or malfunctions . What do you think? Does anyone have the float switch ? How is it switched ? What size pump ?

[Ken C.]

Shaft, good idea! An auto bilge is almost a necessity if you are leaving the boat in the water unattended. Generally it's a good idea to have one anyway so that is one less thing you have to be concerned with while you're on the water. It's also the best way to know you left your plug out when you launch since the other way is a sinking boat!

Using a 3-way auto/manual/off switch is a good idea as well since if you are installing an add-on/external float switch and something like a chunk of a Senko gets lodged under the paddle you can turn off the pump.

The way most are switched is with a simple float. Water level goes up, float rises and closes the contacts, pump runs. If you are adding the auto switch to your existing pump it will probably be a paddle shaped float switch that is wired into the hot side of your pump wiring. The higher priced models use electronics to detect water.

I will be upgrading the bilge pump in my son's Ranger by replacing the entire pump that has a built-in/internal float so debris hopefully won't be an issue. I bought a Rule 1100 GPH automatic from West Marine (around $75) and his boat already has the 3-way switch. Both Mayfair and Rule make the external switch and the integrated automatic pumps.

[DeltaDan]

Great advise Ken !

Our Cobalt has the internal float auto switch and it litterally saved our bacon ! We launched out of BBreak three years ago and were out on the delta up near the Meadows. I looked back over the shoulder to check field of view and I saw water pouring out of the side of the boat - I had never even noticed it before as it never ran. (A great tatletail location. ) ...Upon lifting the cover to find we had a split waterpump hose out in the middle of nowhere.

I electrical taped it as much as I could with a whole roll- then we proceded home. Tried going slow but the tape was not holding so I opened it up and we came home at 52mph with the same water spillage all the way home till near the end as the spit became worse !. I don't know the GPM on ours without taking the covers off...... But it kept up with it all the way !

Bilge pumps are the best insurance other than lifejackets.

PS- I purchased new hoses the next day from Inland Marine.

[MrSkeeter]

Water do not belong inside the boat. I put in the BIGGEST auto bildge I was able to find in addition to my manual one. Now I have two ... when the auto bildge goes off, I turn on the manual one as well. I leave the auto on all the time, have it hooked directly (through a fuse) to the battery.

[VA_SF_BAY_DELTA]

Dan,
Check out a product called "Rescue Tape". They promote it at our towers conventions and it is great stuff. It would fix a hose like you described.

If you want a three position switch, you will need a pump that has three wires coming out of it. Some of you may have to change pumps to get the configuration you want. I have a small led light on my dash for each pump. It comes on whenever the pump is on.

[DeltaDan]

Thanks VA_SF_BAY_DELTA-

I replaced all the hoses when that happened. Added alot more stuff as well.

I have only 30 hours on the boat (1/3ard of it trolling on the Sac for Salmon) since I purchased it some 4 years ago and will be listing it here on WB before I put it on Craigslist this spring to pay for this tin can I purchased.


If anyone is interested in a '89 Cobalt 203 Condurra feel free to email me in advance. It is Sturegon fishing in Luxury and an excelent family delta boat that will last along time.