Best Automatic Bilge Pump

[Boss Hawg]

For under $100 sized for a 16' Bass Boat
Don't need a real high output-
Would like your input & opinions

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

Wow. No opinions from such an opinionated group?

I think West Marine has reviews that go with the particular pump.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

I like the Attwood Sahara series, the other popular pump is by Rule.

Choose between automatic and manual operation based on your use and needs. The cheap $15 pumps are just that. Go with 500 gph or larger, and get one with tinned wire so it doesn't corrode in the wet environment.

 

[jfkkesler]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

I have the Rule-Mate 500 GPH automatic on my 18'er and I really like it. Many automatic pumps have timers that will turn the pump on from time to time to check to see if water is present, and pump it out when it is. This system, however, can potentially drain your battery. The Rule-mate has a built in internal float switch, so it wont turn on at all unless it detects water. Wire it up to a 3 way switch (on/off/mom. on) and you will have a manual override if necessary. I also made sure to hook mine up to my starting battery, because the boat doesn't go anywhere without it, and it is rarely, if ever, disconnected. This is just a little insurance policy. I just keep the switch in the ON position when underway, or on the water at all, and flip it off when I trailer up.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

I have the Rule-Mate 500 GPH automatic on my 18'er and I really like it. Many automatic pumps have timers that will turn the pump on from time to time to check to see if water is present, and pump it out when it is. This system, however, can potentially drain your battery. The Rule-mate has a built in internal float switch, so it wont turn on at all unless it detects water. Wire it up to a 3 way switch (on/off/mom. on) and you will have a manual override if necessary. I also made sure to hook mine up to my starting battery, because the boat doesn't go anywhere without it, and it is rarely, if ever, disconnected. This is just a little insurance policy. I just keep the switch in the ON position when underway, or on the water at all, and flip it off when I trailer up.

The Rule-Mate 500 GPH automatic is the one i'm looking at in particualar - appreciate the input

 

[wa_ssv197]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

I have the Attwood Sahara 500.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

I have the Attwood Sahara 500.

Just took a look at them-

Desisions Desisions

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

hey Boss Hawg!
i have a rule fully automatic 1100gph bilge pump that comes on every 3 min for 2 or 3 seconds unless there is resitance(water) on the impeller. it draws a ridiculously low precentage of an amp per hour. it is at leasts 10yr old and was $110.
I have it wired directly to the battery with an inline fuse and attached by alligator clips.
the LoneStar leaks like a seive because she's missing a couple rivets.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

The best bilge pump that I have ever seen was the one that worked!!

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

The best bilge pump that I have ever seen was the one that worked!!

But i already have that one

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

But i already have that one

Well whats wrong with the one your using!!??

 

[skargo]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

Don't smaller boats need more output, as they can fill up with water more quickly than a larger craft?

 

[jfkkesler]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

It would be my understanding that water would flow at the same rate no matter the size of the boat. It would all have to do with the size of the hole, and possibly it's distance below the waterline. Also, i realize that they draw an extremely small amount of power, but that could add up relatively quickly. It's just one more insurance policy IMO. Whatever you get, make sure you check it every once in a while. I know on my boat, which is ONLY used for fishing and crabbing, a lot of sand a other sea crap can get down into the bilge area and could potentially clog the pumps impeller. It's just good to clean it out every once in a while. But whatever you get, I guarantee it's better than nothing! (unless you really screw the pooch and somehow get it pumping water INTO the boat...)

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

Well whats wrong with the one your using!!??

Its not automatic & i'm lazy

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

You could just get a float switch for your present pump.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

Don't smaller boats need more output, as they can fill up with water more quickly than a larger craft?

Not a real problem with late model boats since the Coast Guard requires flotation foam in all boats under 20 (I think, I'm exactly sure the length) so they will still float (upright) even if the transom is ripped off.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

You could just get a float switch for your present pump.

Dern, never thought of that
Thanks

 

[wellsc1]

Re: Best Automatic Bilge Pump

Skargo, I also heard the smaller the boat the larger the pump. Same size hole in the hull or not, a smaller boat can not afford as much water in it as a larger boat. Freeboard is likely less as well.

Boss Hawg, if you're really lazy, get a float switch or replace the pump with an automatic. Then you won't have to play with the switch as needed for a manual nor worry about water levels. If you get an "on/off/momentary on" switch, it helps to have three wires coming out of the pump - one for auto., one for ground, and one for manual override.