Bilge pump

[mrloring]

I have a 14' Cutter fiberglass runabout and I want to install a bilge pump. My question what size should I use and if I use a float switch how deep will the water be when it shuts off? How about manual switch? I have heard that some leave as much as 1 1/2" of water. <br /><br />Thanks

 

[crab bait]

Re: Bilge pump

you heard right..<br /><br />i'd go with the BIGGEST you can afford.. why not.. if'n you really need it.. let it pump bigtime.. <br /><br />ihave one that's electronic.. turn on by a flip switch..no float switch.. when it on,,an i turn it on when i'm underway,, it's cycles every 10 minutes for a few seconds.. but if i take a wave.. it's sensor kicks in an pumps to dry automatically..

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Bilge pump

One of the best bilge pump sensors/switches I have come across is this guy:<br /><br /> http://www.msc-emd.com/sensaswitch.shtml <br /><br />You might be able to find it in the MegaMall here on iboats. It’s available at many marine parts retailers, or online at the mfg’s website.<br /><br />Ditto Crab Bait’s suggestion for the biggest pump you can get/fit. When it’s time to pump water, you want the water to pump...out.<br /><br />I also suggest installing a common man/off/auto bilge pump switch at the helm. When using your boat, flip the switch to ‘auto’ and the sensor in the bilge will turn the pump on when needed, as needed. If for any reason you need the bilge pump engaged, but the sensor doesn’t turn it on, you can bypass the sensor by flipping the switch to “man(ual)” and holding it.

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: Bilge pump

Nothing like whipping a daed horse to death! I agree In a little boat you have little time to get rid of the water, so get the biggest pump you can. If you leave the boat in the water, you need an auto. pump, if not it is more of a luxuary. If you leave it in the water watch you amp draw as a dead battery is as bad as no pump, & a stuck switch will kill a battery. Good Luck, Joe

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Bilge pump

I think instead of buying the biggest pump you can afford, buy two that cost half as much as you can afford each. Or at the very least, a large one and a cheap small one for backup. <br /><br />Then again...I don't have a bilge pump at all in my boat...

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: Bilge pump

I was going to suggest that also, as I have two, a large & a small, but there might be a space problem. But with 2 pumps the small one should take care of rain water, & splash. The large one to get rid of a lot of water in a hurry, & only need a auto on the small pump, & it should be wired to the aux. or # 2 Battery, not the starting battery. Sorry to have mugged your thread Mr Loring. Joe

 

[jurgenscraft]

Re: Bilge pump

I agree with the sentiment "Fit the biggest pump you Can afford." the smaller the boat the faster the bilges fill ,so that about sums it up. my boat has three seperate compartements filled with bouancy and I still have a big bilge pump maybe I can be accused of using a belt and braces but I feel a little more secure.<br />Best Regards.<br />William Wright.