bilge pump

[URDADDY]

OK, we launched the boat for the first time saturday and other then me forgetting to put the second plug in, all went fine. What I did find out because of the plug not being in.. the bilge pump wouldnt work.

Today I started looking for a new bilge pump and found a few i liked and planned on calling tomorrow to check dimensions and such. Well I went out to the boat to do some stuff and decided to try the bilge pump again and it ran just fine. Turns out the wiring connections were just unprotected and once wet of course wouldnt work. What do you use to cover the connections so they dont get wet?

 

[saumon]

Re: bilge pump

Solder the connections then heat shrink tubing over it (don't forget to slide the tubing before you solder!).

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: bilge pump

Not sure which connectors you're talking about but I use shrink tubing on all the conectors I make up. If it's a crimped butt connection, I use shrink tubing over the whole thing. If you've got a connection that's as vital as a bilge pump, might want to move the wires so they can't get wet. If that's not possible, try some liquid rubber. I found it at Lowes in a small can with a brush.

 

[wajajaja02]

Re: bilge pump

you might consider installing a second pump, one should be a auto, and the second high capacity on a manual switch.

 

[URDADDY]

Re: bilge pump

Thanks for the replies so far. A little more detail from me, the boat is a 19' ski supreme, very similar to a mastercraft. the bilge pump is located mid boat right in front of the engine. Impossable to keep the wires dry, unless the pump wasnt needed. Crimp style connection.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: bilge pump

LOL I forgot a plug once and only once. I was trolling for mahi about 35 miles off Port Canaveral and noticed an inch of water on the deck of my boat. I opened a hatch to the bilge and said Oops. We reeled in the reels and I floored the motor to run the water out. Uh good thing my bilge pump worked because I don't thing I got 5 mph out of the motor. I spent the next half hour with the radio mic in my hand just in case I had to call.

I will guarantee you I will never again forget a plug.