Bilge Pump Question

[JSGOLD]

While working with my 76 Starcraft Supersport yesterday I noticed that the bilge pump runs constantly when I switch it on(to test it), even though there is no water in the boat. My question is, are these pumps supposed to have a water level "switch" that kicks them on when activated, or are they just suppposed to run all the time when switched on? The previous owner told me he only ran it once in a while to check for water but I have seen some here mention turning the bilge pump on even before launching.....we have not taken this boat out as of yet, still new to boating. If it needs a float or something like that I will get it, but not sure if all boats bilges work the same...

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

Some have floats and some don't. Sounds like you don't. No biggie really if you trailer or keep the boat on a lift.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

The automatic bilge pumps have either a float actuated switch or electrical probes actuated switch, usually for boats that stay or sit in the water where leaks and/or rain could fill up the bilge area while the owner/captain ain't around to check water level and turn on the pump manually. Where water is constant issue/possibility I've heard of folks putting in twin bilge pumps for a measure of reliability through redundancy. My boat has a single manual switch model which really comes in handy during a heavy rain storm. Good Luck!

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

My automatic bilge pump switches on automatically for about 1 second every 10 minutes or so just to check for water. I've been told these are the best as there is no float or other mechanism to get hung up or otherwise stop working properly.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

Thanks guys! I thinik I will add a switch to mine then, and we occasionally will have the boat in water for 2-3 days/nights and rain seems to follow us to one place in particular. Given this boat is a 76 model I have to know I have protection. Our first major outing for the boat will have it 2-3 miles away from our campsite on the water for 2 days so yes, I will add one. I just remembered one of our camping trips this past year, a boat sank overnight about 500 ft from us, don't want to do that! I guess the previous owner was content to just check once in a while. A lot of times we won't need this but I want to get in the habit of turning it on when launched. Thanks again!

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

Just to clarify, some setups have switches that change the pump from automatic (i.e., a float will trigger them) to just plain on.

My pump is this type and it went bad two summers ago so that if it was left in the auto mode it just ran and ran. I had to replace the entire thing as it had one of those internal floats.

I just mention this in case yours has an auto feature on a float pump that's malfunctioning. It should be easy enough to tell by looking at the pump. One with a float will either have an external one along side the pump or an internal one which give the pump an oval shape.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

Thanks for the tip! I will check that out.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

You can splice a float switch in for less than $20. If the constant on bothers you then splice a float switch into one of the wires. I did this with mine. The way it works is when the switch is flipped on it activates the float switch. The pump only kicks on from that point once the water hits a certain depth in the beilge. I believe it is 3".

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

I installed this one http://www.iboats.com/SeaSense_Auto...9838710--**********.706633901--view_id.392307 in my Jupiter prior to our trip to the shore this past summer. Works well and you can't beat the price. Has wiring to work on automatic or manual.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bilge Pump Question

If you moor overnight definitely get a float switch. Do not get the rig that comes on every 10 minutes whether you need it or not; it will run down your battery. Get the rig with the float switch seperate from the pump 9so if one component fails you don't lose the whole rig)and get the kind where the float is encased in a box, so that if something falls on it, it will still work.
Wire the pump directly to the battery so that you can switch off the rest of the electrical system but leave the pump powered. Give it its own 20A line fuse. All electrical connections heat-shrunk and above water (not laying on the floor of the bilge).
I like the auto/manual switch on the dash. However, the float switch should trip regardless of the setting of the dash switch and should be independent of the dash switch's fuse.
The float switch should allow some water to accumulate before tripping so that it doesn't trip too often and run down the battery. This is why a manual is nice; you can dry out the bilge from a little water, although getting up on a plane usually trips and pumps whatever is in there.
Your entire boat is at the mercy of these small parts. Think about replacing the pump after a few years before it fails.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

The one have does not have a float switch, it was just a pump only. What I will look at doing is perhaps buying one like ezmobee listed and keep the other for emergency back up perhaps....a lot to think about with this boat. I also noticed the wiring is not what I would like, with several wires runnig to the back main battery, no sign of fuses. Might be fuses on some of the wires, I have to go through the wiring as a whole but regardless I will be doing some wiring on the boat too it seems. This is not a big deal per se as I have access to wiring, switches, and so forth and can deal with it. But the list of things I want to work with on the boat keeps growing. Guess that is normal though huh, LOL!

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

For primarily day use boats that are stored on a trailer, a manual switch is just fine. I take mine camping and leave it in the water for a few days at a time, and i have never had a problem. I use it everyday we are out and check it several times a day as it is anchored just off the beach of our camp site... My manual pump has dome the job just fine...

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

Well 95% of the time the set up I have now probably would be fine. Most of the time me and the wife will simply take the boat to a local lake, make a day of it, or, even if we are camping the boat will be within 20-30 feet of us. The only thing that concerns me is that for example this April we go to an annual fishing tournament at Stonewall Jackson Lake near Weston WV, and we always make s 2-3 day affair of it, even though the tournament itself is one day. What I was planning was mooring the boat at the marina, gettng there a day early, fish, look around a bit, and then after tournament do more of the same. But, the marina is 3-4 miles away from the camp we use for this tournament, so either I take a chance or take the boat in and out 2-3 times or so. That is what concerns me, plus this boat is 32 years old. Maybe I am overdoing it but just in case I would like something as bit better. of course money is always an issue too....right now things are getting tough in our area and I may just have to do a little at a time and go with critical things first. At this point I have a lot I WANT to do, but have to be watchful.

 

[jollymon]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

Before you drive yourself crazy, look at your pump, and make sure it does not already have a float switch of some type on it. many bilge pumps have both a float and a manual switch. The float may also be close to the pump but not attached to it.

Some boats have on/auto/off for the bilge. With this type of switch, when in on the pump runs no matter what, in auto, the float controls if the pump comes on, and in the off position, the pump never comes on. I do not like these switches, you can cut all power to your bilge pump this way.

A common and preferred way is to have the float switch wired directly to the battery, and also have a manual switch at the helm, that switch over rides the float switch.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

I'll double check it to be absolutley sure....the switch I have is on the dash and simply pushes in to start and then to stop. Of course with the maze of wires running around it I may have more than I thought...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bilge Pump Question

I understand about getting the list too long and the $$ adding up, but a $15 float switch that can be wired in line with your existing pump is both essential and a small price to pay for insurance and an good night's sleep.

If you were sleeping in a tent and at 3:00 am it started raining hard--would you pay someone $15 to sit on the boat and run the bilge pump? Would you do it for $15? The float switch will!

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

LOL, no problem there! A float switch or pump with one is a high priority for me if this does not have one(which I doubt). I have two lists, high priority and things I want to do or have. Main things are spare tire and holder for trailor, tune ups for motors, pump or switch for bilge, 2 better life vests, and getting my kicker motor lined out, and d/c wiring. The other things are going to gave to wait til these are done. I have the insurance taken care of and a nice hand held radio and boat is not in need or much else. I hope to update ignitons and impellers, add a sound system, and add a spotlight among other things. I am sure there are more things I just can't remember.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

LOL, yes did I forgot plenty...one new fishing seat for open area in the back, a new boat cover, a 3 gal fuel tank for kicker, new ropes, extra boat plugs, oils and greases for the motor, and more. Much will have to wait until after the holidays, some a bit longer. The boat is in good shape and could be used right away but I want certain things done prior to our first voyage and for sure before our first camping excursion. The bilge pump, wiring, minor tune ups, control cables and steering for the kicker are first along with the spare tire /rim. And the list will grow I am sure.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bilge Pump Question

whatever you do, don't take the family on the maiden voyage, and don't make your maiden voyage a big trip like a camping trip. Do take an experienced boater (called a HO around here).
Can you drop it in for an hour or two over the winter?

 

[noizmaker]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

Very good advice not taking the family along. I'll be in the same position come 2010 boating season. I plan on wiring in several pumps for redundancy myself. There's so much to this thing called boating... Hope to get it figured out someday.. ( :