Best bilge pumps?

[danond]

Which bilge pump(s) have you used? Which worked better, worse? Did you use an integrated switch or a separate one?

I'm about to re-install my engine and am trying to decide between the Rule RM1100 or the 27D. Both claim 1100gph, the RM1100 has an integrated switch.

What's your experience?

 

[45Auto]

Re: Best bilge pumps?

Put one of each in, on separate automatic switches. Then you don't have to worry about which one is best . My automatic pump saved my boat from sinking at the dock one time when my shift cable bellows pulled loose. It has a separate automatic switch. The next weekend I installed another pump with an integrated auto-switch on my second battery. Seen too many failed bilge pumps to trust a single one. Less than $100 to double my chances of saving my boat seems cheap to me.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Best bilge pumps?

I second the idea of a "second" pump. Make sure the circuit is independent all the way to the battery and if you have 2 batteries then make sure each pump is in a separate battery. Use the starter battery for the "secondary" pump as it would be used less. Generally that secondary pump is of a larger gph and amperage. It is set up at the same level as the primary pump but not next to it. The auto switch for the secondary pump is usually at a higher area. The idea is for the secondary pump to start only if the first pump cant keep up and the water level keep coming up. Im working in a buzzer to indicate the activation of the pump by the automatic switch and another buzzer to let me know Im cracking the motor without the kill switch lanyard in place....

 

[phwrd]

Re: Best bilge pumps?

I agree with Nandy, he must be smart or something.

When I purchased the second, larger pump, was confused on how to hook it up.

Have the primary fused straight onto the deep cycle, secondary battery. (rule auto 1100 gph)

Just didn't think through how to do with the power to the secondary pump.

Hooking up a fused, 3 way switch on the dash, for the larger pump (3700).

It has a light indicator , but didn't really know what to do with the wires. If I don't grind it down trying to start the motor, this should work.

Gonna get the auto switch with the audio alarm and mount as Nandy has suggested. Pump same height, switch a bit higher in the bilge to take up the slack.


Good info - thanks

 

[5150abf]

Re: Best bilge pumps?

Ya, something that important should be redundant so go with 2 pumps.

I have a Mayfair 500 for rain water and a Rule 1100 for if someting goes really wrong with the 1100 hooked to an alarm so if it comes on you get an adible warning that you are sinking, I forgot my plug once years ago and almost sunk the boat so before the next trip I had the alarm installed.

Both have a float switch and the 500 is also wired to the dash.

If I miss the plug now I know within 20 seconds of launching the boat,SCREEEEEECH.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Best bilge pumps?

2 pumps for sure.

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/bilge_pumps.htm