Ranger Bilge Pump - Manual to Automatic

[Ken C.]

Sieg reminded me the other day of the importance of an automatic bilge pump . Therefore I want to convert the manual bilge pump in Jason's Ranger ('85 373vs) to automatic. It has a 3-way switch on the console already but the existing pump is manual. I have not "dug in" to see exactly what is there but I do know that the pump does run. I have seen a couple of things available so far:

A float switch to convert the manual pump to automatic,

An automatic that cycles every 2-1/2 minutes to sense water in the impeller (probably not what I want as there is no main power switch on the boat)

Automatic pump with internal switch

I do want to have him be able to run the pump manually if he needs to by the 3-way switch up front.

Any suggestions, recommendations, hints, tips or ideas? THANX

[JT-Madera]

You know Ken i think steve installed a extra autobilge pump in that boat...I might be wrong,,,

[Ken C.]

As far as I recall what he told me, and as far as I have found so far there is only the one bilge pump... I'm re-doing all the battery connections back there this weekend (and the switch connections under the dash as well) so maybe I should pull the batts and see what is actually down there . I guess the other thing would be to pour some water into the bilge to see what happens!

BTW - I didn't know you knew the boat!

[lawrencelee]

get the float switch - easy to splice into existing bilge wiring and direct to hot of battery or inline fuse (do not forget the inline fuse -10 amp or less).

[swordfish]

Why not install a second or aux. pump an auto with float switch the autos with no float usually can't be operated manualy and a second pump is always a good idea plus the second pump might be placed in a spot that is easier to access.


note anyone with a manuel only pump sould switch in on periodicaly you never know when a broken livewell in take or hose may flood your bilge

also a second pump can save you and pump twice the water in a bad situation

[JT-Madera]

Do Not Use Direct connection to Battery!!!!!!! Install a switch between the Float and the battery...Sometimes the float can get debris stuck in it a stick open!!!!Plastic worms are famous for this....

My Ranger has a switch to turn on the auto or manual pump..If your float gets stuck open during the day, it can run your battery down very fast....

Ken, I've logged a few hours in that boat over the years...It fishes great..Very stable and the deck extension allows you to move around up front and not trip..By now I'm sure all the compartments are full

[Ken C.]

JT, it is a great boat. Super stable, nice ride and a great fishing platform . Jason loves it! I think there's a few sqaure centimeters left where he can stuff another worm or something into!

The second pump idea sounds tempting....