2nd bilge pump

jmarine225

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 13, 2009
Messages
95
hello I'm looking to install a 2nd bilge pump, which this one would be automatic. The one I have now works of a switch on the dashboard and after reviewing this board I see a 2nd one is a good thing plus I am a little leary of no automatic pump, especially when leaving it docked. I am not sure how to wire the pump though and am looking for suggestions. I am placing it in a 93 Four Winns Vista with a 5.8 OMC engine. Also does the pump have to be screwed into the base of the bilge and if yes then how so since it is near impossible to get down in there. Thanks for any and all help.
 

flargin

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 13, 2008
Messages
540
Re: 2nd bilge pump

The pump itself will have the diagram, I think the brown/white wire is the automatic setting.

You will have to wire it straight to a power supply that is on at all times you are in the water. If you have a master switch you turn off when you get off the boat, and it is still floating, it will need to go straight to a battery (with a fuse)

Yes it has to be mounted to the bilge. You should actually mount it to a board, and then mount the board to the bilge. this prevents you from drilling holes into your hull... not a great idea.

if you are going to exhaust the water out the same hose as your first bilge, you will need to install backflow valves so it does not just go up one bilge line and back down the other. Or run a new hose out a new hole in the side.

You could just replace your current one with an automatic & manual pump. wire the automatic as described above, and the manual the way your current one was wired. there are normally 3 wires coming from an automatic pump... Ground, automatic Positive, Manual positive.
 

jmarine225

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 13, 2009
Messages
95
Re: 2nd bilge pump

forgot to mention. The boat is already set up for a 2nd bilge pump with a thru hull fitting and hose. (maybe the original owner never replaced it?) I have two batteries with a selector switch and my batteries are right next to the engine compartment so I can just wire it straight to the battery with a fuse in the midline? And I have no clue how I can get into the bilge without removing the engine. It is deep and there is no room with the engine there.
 

flargin

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 13, 2008
Messages
540
Re: 2nd bilge pump

finding a way to get it there is your bummer of a problem :)

however a couple of ideas... can you build an elbow which would slide it down and under the engine, and you could screw it into something else... kinda like a pump on a stick? also what about in a front ski locker or someplace further forward?
 
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