In ref to bilge pump

[tomasz]

Hello Guys,
I'm looking to add second bilge pump. Thus, there are automatic and non automatic bilge pumps. I want to install it so it works even when the battery is position on off. Do I need a float switch for an automatic bilge pump?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: In ref to bilge pump

I got one of those "automatic" pumps and it was automatic via cyling every 2 minutes. I did not like that approach. So, check out what the "automatic" feature is.

I think you would be best to go with a float setup.

 

[scott8058]

Re: In ref to bilge pump

I am no expert but yes i think you will need a float switch, mine has one and it kicks on if it needs to docked in the slip with no key in the ignition. I didn't install it but it looks very easy, just wire it up and put the float where u want it to kick on. Only problem i have w it is that i dont keep it in a slip ne more and my motor leaks a little oil so it sucks if ur swimming and it starts spitting out oily water. If its not kept on the water i prefer to turn it on when i want.

 

[tomasz]

Re: In ref to bilge pump

I am no expert but yes i think you will need a float switch, mine has one and it kicks on if it needs to docked in the slip with no key in the ignition. I didn't install it but it looks very easy, just wire it up and put the float where u want it to kick on. Only problem i have w it is that i dont keep it in a slip ne more and my motor leaks a little oil so it sucks if ur swimming and it starts spitting out oily water. If its not kept on the water i prefer to turn it on when i want.

The one that came with my boat works same way, same issue if you swim on the side of the boat and it kicks in you are swiming in your oil lol. I want to put another one just in case, you never now. So do you think it's automaitc and float switch or non-automatic and floatswitch.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: In ref to bilge pump

You should not be chucking oil over the side . . . so get some of those oil absorbing mats and run a little Joy degergent in the bilge.

 

[tomasz]

Re: In ref to bilge pump

You should not be chucking oil over the side . . . so get some of those oil absorbing mats and run a little Joy degergent in the bilge.

Well, It's not really oil. I will never let this happen however its all the greasy stuff that collects over the period of time in bilge area. That's why I'm doing exteme cleaning so when it pumps, it pumps clean water.

 

[tomasz]

Re: In ref to bilge pump

Ok, I did my research. I will probably go with Attwood Sahara bilge pump since it has float switch built in. I will get a 3 way switch and hook it up so it can be in Off, Auto or Manual mode.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: In ref to bilge pump

If your floatation foam is "up to snuff" you don't really need a bilge pump:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30nDtZ4iys

... but this might just be an "aluminum boat thing".

 

[fishrdan]

Re: In ref to bilge pump

I purposely didn't go with an automatic bilge pump as when one of the parts breaks, switch or pump, you have to replace the whole (spendy) thing.

I like the Attwood float switch I used as it has a cover so the float doesn't get hung on anything and there is a knob that can be turned to test the switch. I mounted the switch higher up in the bilge so there needs to be 3" of water before it comes on, keeps the kids from getting covered in oil residue and fish blood while swimming besides the boat. Both bilge pumps are mounted low so I can pump out the boat by manually turning them on, when needed.

Are you adding a second thru-hull fitting and hose for the new pump? (you should)

 

[tomasz]

Re: In ref to bilge pump

If your floatation foam is "up to snuff" you don't really need a bilge pump:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30nDtZ4iys

... but this might just be an "aluminum boat thing".

Lol, creative
I will stick with 2 bilge pumps.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: In ref to bilge pump

Lol, creative
I will stick with 2 bilge pumps.

In case you don't realize it, machines fail and batteries drain and fail as well.

You may want to invest in 4 bilge pumps and 4 batteries just to be sure if you don't trust your floatation foam... I'm serious, bilge pumps will choke on just a small piece of debris and we all know how fickle batteries can be.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: In ref to bilge pump

In case you don't realize it, machines fail and batteries drain and fail as well.

I'm serious, bilge pumps will choke on just a small piece of debris and we all know how fickle batteries can be.

I don't follow what you're saying. While flotation foam will keep a boat from completely sinking, I'd rather it not fill up with water in the first place.

There was a thread a couple of days ago where they guy came back to his boat filled with water over the engine, but the boat was still partially floating, most likely due to it's flotation foam keeping it off the bottom of the lake....... That's going to be one expensive repair and could have been avoided if he had dual bilge pumps, one being automatic like the OP is installing. One could argue that the battery could fail or a chunk of garbage could jam the pump, but I'd take that risk over the boat filling with water and submerging the engine.

(BTW, I like that Lund video... Though, I think it would have been funny to see the automatic bilge pump kick on )