Bilge float switch question...!

[Rocky_Road]

I had a ?learning moment? yesterday when I launched my ?05 Bayliner 175BR?I had forgotten the garboard plug, and realized this as I started to pull the truck off the ramp. I quickly re-hooked the winch strap and got the boat out of the water?.

I?m considering adding a bilge float switch to my bilge pump, by splicing into the pump?s positive lead. My pump helm switch is a simple on/off, but I believe that I could leave the switch in the ?ON? position and the pump will only activate if the water triggers the added bilge (float) switch. This way if I ever make this mistake again, I will see the water being discharged, and I will have more time to correct my situation?.

Where am I wrong?

Happy boating!

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Bilge float switch question...!

If the switch is turned off by someone that doesn't know to leave it in the on position you may have a problem. Just wire it direct to the battery with an inline fuse.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Bilge float switch question...!

yep wire the float switch to the battery and the positive side of the pump... then it can be turned on automatically AND manually

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Bilge float switch question...!

Thanks guys!

My schematic shows that the bilge pump is 5 amp fused, so I take it that I will have to add a 5 amp fuse when I wire the switch from the battery to the pump. And I am assuming that the current pump ground is all the grounding that I need...?

For this to work as you suggest, does the bilge pump currently have the ability to run without the key in the "ON" position? I have never checked...and I am not near the boat tonight....

Happy boating!

 

[fixb52s]

Re: Bilge float switch question...!

Bilge pumps should be wired to work with the key off, but that doesn't mean yours is. (It could have been rewired in the past.)

As for adding the float switch, all you need to have is a hot wire (battery power) wired to the float switch. If the wire to it is indeed hot with power off, then you can split from that to the switch. The ground can be the same. Does your boat have a battery switch? If so, ensure it still gets power even with the switch off. If not, then yes, you should add an inline fuse to a hot wire you might run.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Bilge float switch question...!

Bilge pumps should be wired to work with the key off, but that doesn't mean yours is. (It could have been rewired in the past.)

As for adding the float switch, all you need to have is a hot wire (battery power) wired to the float switch. If the wire to it is indeed hot with power off, then you can split from that to the switch. The ground can be the same. Does your boat have a battery switch? If so, ensure it still gets power even with the switch off. If not, then yes, you should add an inline fuse to a hot wire you might run.

Thanks b52!

My bilge lead is independent of the key, as it should be.

I am going to use the Rule-A-Matic 35FA switch, which has it's own fuse.

Mission (almost) accomplished...'hats off' to you guys!

Happy boating!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Bilge float switch question...!

I will be replacing the dash switch with a lighted version. It will illuminate whenever the bilge pump engages- either from the switch or the float.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Bilge float switch question...!

I will be replacing the dash switch with a lighted version. It will illuminate whenever the bilge pump engages- either from the switch or the float.

Good idea...and something that I can accomplish.

I have a spare piezzo (sp?) buzzer, that I might rig on the float switch side of this...then if the pump auto starts (like at the ramp) I will definitely know it!

Happy boating!

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: Bilge float switch question...!

Good idea...and something that I can accomplish.

I have a spare piezzo (sp?) buzzer, that I might rig on the float switch side of this...then if the pump auto starts (like at the ramp) I will definitely know it!

Happy boating!

Never thought of wiring in a buzzer like that. Nice one Could even wire in a second float switch at a higher level , connect in a buzzer and then you'd have a "high-water" alarm.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Bilge float switch question...!

that's what I did on my wellcraft.... second float about 8" high wired to a car horn. Will have a plaque stating "Horn sounds for high bilge water" the plaque will also have my cell number on it

 

[rjwoodrome]

Re: Bilge float switch question...!

I like the high level alarm. We all should have one.