Auto Bildge pump

[Lawnpro979]

The pump went out on my boat. I was wondering if there is any recommendations, Anything to watch out for ?
it's an​ auto pump. I really cant see the name brand until I remove some of the engine cover braces. it's a carville 187
Volvo penta 4.3 if that matters......
Thanks

 

[airshot]

Well when you decide to replace it do yourself a favor and change the switch to both auto and manual operation. When I am ready to get underway I turnon the bilge pump so I can hear it to be sure it is working then turn it off which puts it in auto mode. I like to know it works before each outing. I have a backup pump as well for that just in case moment...

 

[Lawnpro979]

Yes this is the way My old one is wired. When it went out. I think it got clogged and ran for a while. Took the boat out and turned it on and noticed it pulled a ton of amperage, And I didn't hear it running. It was fun trying to see if it was a wireing issue. IT's about 10 yrs old it's not the all in one type of today.
Thanks for your reply​

 

[fishrdan]

I purposely installed a normal bilge pump with a separate float switch. If the pump goes bad I can just replace the pump, or the other way around. I also have the switch mounted a bit higher so there would have to be 3-4 inches of water to get the pump to turn on, then the pump mounted as low as possible and also on a manual switch.

Reason for mounting the float higher is so it does not kick on when beached/anchored and swimming around the boat, people getting in-out of the boat and filling the bilge. No need to soak an unexpected person with foul bilge water...

 

[tpenfield]

Watch out for those stooooopid automatic pumps from Rule (and possibly other brands) They don't need a float switch and in lieu of that they cycle briefly every few minutes. If they sense water pressure within the pump, they keep going. The net result is that if the boat is left unused for a while that cycling wears down the battery.

You can hook those pumps up for manual or float switch operation, but it may be something to avoid altogether.

 

[airshot]

I use the sahara one piece unit with built in float switch, had it for years with no issues, in fact I have two, one is primary and the second is set higher up as a backup. I run dual batteries and have one pump on each battery....just in case! Never had an issue with constant cycling....

 

[gm280]

You can always buy a straight bilge pump and then install an electronic switch and forget about it. Then if the pump gives you any issues, you simple buy another straight pump. The electronic water sensors are a little more expensive, but then don't stick or break because there are no moving parts. I build my own but there are tons of them available on the market. JMHO!

 

[Grandad]

Well when you decide to replace it do yourself a favor and change the switch to both auto and manual operation. When I am ready to get underway I turnon the bilge pump so I can hear it to be sure it is working then turn it off which puts it in auto mode. I like to know it works before each outing. I have a backup pump as well for that just in case moment...

I agree. On a boat, always be in control, not relying entirely upon automatic things that don't seem to be working at a given moment. I like the circuit below. Manual "on" to test or to override automatic, "automatic" when on the water and "off" when on the trailer. - Grandad

 

[Lawnpro979]

Got it...... I was upside down, standing on my head, But I got it......