bilge pump system installation!

[layzeeboi]

i have a question about bilge pumps again. So to get a good bilge pump system i need a pump, a float switch, and a 3-way switch? Am i right? correct me if im wrong. I already have the pump, so what else do i really need?. Can anyone give me a diagram on how to hook them together? Like a wiring schematics.

And lets say i want to install a back-up bilge pump, how would i do that? Do i have to wire it separately? like different wires, different float switch, and the hose where the pump suppose to pump the water out in a different place?
Or if i does, does the back up pump have to connect straight to the primary? Im so confused on how to hook up a back up pump!! I need some one to help make a diagram or some where i can visualize this.( like after hooking the primary then to add the back-up what do i have to do next)

When the back-up pump is done and primary one too,doesnt draw a lot of power from the battery? How do you know if you hook up all the wiring properly like when i turn the engine or motor off and the pump should still be running. How would you test that. Im sorry for asking too much questions because if i dont i wont get it done by wednesday to try this boat at the lake. Im such a noob at this.

 

[CaptainSkip]

Re: bilge pump system installation!

This should help...
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/14.htm

 

[NYBo]

Re: bilge pump system installation!

I'm not a fan of using a three-way switch for this. I prefer to have only two choices: "On" or "Automatic". That way, you can't accidentally leave the bilge pump off. Of course, this means the only way to shut it off is to disconnect the battery, so that's what you'd have to do to prevent dry running when you are trailering, for example.

Each pump needs its own thru-hull drain. Otherwise, you would have to install check valves for both pumps, and the valves would be an additional potential failure point.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: bilge pump system installation!

one pump has nothing whatsoever in common with the other except they both hook to the battery.... to simplify look at it this way.... two wires run from the battery to the positive side of the pump. one has an on/off switch (off will actually be auto) and the other wire has a float switch in it.

I prefer to run a small pump in the absolutely lowest (with boat floating) part of the bilge for a primary because a smaller pump with a smaller hose will scavenge the most water from the boat and leave a drier bilge also try not to run the hose any further from the pump than you have too since a longer hose will hold more water which will slosh back to the bilge when the pump shuts off.

for the second pump go BIG and mount it wherever with the float switch an inch or two higher than the other and wire it up seperate from the other....

The first pump is your maintenance pump to get rid of that annoying water..... the second is your "oh lord please don't let me sink" pump
More and bigger batteries will also save your hide.

Last all three of these threads should be on one... that way you combine all your details and more folks who read know the while story... that way you tend to get better answers... When you start redoing your seats that would be a new thread... cheers

 

[jevery]

Re: bilge pump system installation!

My boat came with a manual 500 GPH bilge pump with a simple on/off switch on the dash. I wanted an automatic pump that I could also switch on/off manually. This Mayfair 1000GPH Automatic worked well for my needs. The built in water sensor has no moving parts and is very reliable. Also the 3/4" outlet is typical size for most boats and should require no plumbing modification. I wired mine per this diagram that just requires running a single wire from the always hot side of the switch on the dash back to brown/white wire on the pump. The other two wires on the pump attach to the existing wires for a manual pump. This would keep manual and automatic operation on the same fused circuit, but will disable automatic operation if a master switch is turned off. If your boat doesn't already have a pump, then you could use either a two or a three way switch. In either case, the Mayfair automatic would be a simpler installation than positioning, installing, and wiring a separate switch.