Bilge Pump Question

[southtexas]

I have a Rule 500 Bilge Pump; there is a switch on my console to activate it when I need to. Turn the switch on, pump comes on, whether there's water in the compartment or not.

Question is: aren't all Rule pumps automatic; they will sense water and come on when needed? Mine does not do this--I have to turn it on with switch to pump water.

What do I need to look for/describe here so that y'all can give me a response? Just tell me and I'll report back.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

they are not all automatic. mine was just like yours, i installed a $20 float switch so now its automatic. you definitely want that bad boy automatic if nothing else. now though, i saw today they have some nice rules that dont have float switches, just a sensor in it and it pumps automatically. about $60 or so if you want to go that route, i wish i would have now.

 

[southtexas]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

http://www.iboats.com/Rule_Mate_500...40597785--**********.297653404--view_id.39579

I have the rule 500. It does have a float switch but, since I've had possession of the boat, it has never come on automatically, even though I've had enough water in the bilge. I've used the pump but turned it on with the helm switch.

What do I need to look for in the wiring of the pump to the battery? I've also heard a lot about float switches being unreliable. Advice???

 

[rbh]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

hook it up, good piece of mind if your sleeping or at anchor. you can test the float buy just lifting it up.
it will only drain the water down as far as it takes the float to engage then you hit the dash switch for the rest.
rob