bilge pumps- models and wiring?

[art_yatsko]

Gentlemen,

Please help me get my mind out of my bilge. I have 26' crownline . The bilge always has an inch or so of water slopping around. The pump sits on a block, about an inch think. Add inch or more to get the pump to come on, and splish, splash everything is damp. I'd like to add another pump lower in the V of the hull. I've envisioned a homemade plastic bracket mounted off the mounting block, so I'm not making holes in the hull. Even considered wrapping the auxiliary pump in a plastic or stainless mesh to help keep the crap out. My questions are: Should I wire this second pump to a manual switch at the helm? Or install a pump with an automated switch. Or install that new "smart" pump with the computer chip. I'm leaning toward the smart pump, for ease of installation, no float switch to fail or get hung up, and no chance of operator error. My concern is the 2.5 minute cycling. I keep the boat on a mooring, and it could be a couple of weekends between uses. Will I find a dry bilge and dead batteries(if I forget to turn off the battery switch)? I buddy suggested wiring the pump to the ignition switch. Another buddy said to wire it "off the engine". What are your thoughts?

Thanks- Art

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: bilge pumps- models and wiring?

run it off a battery that can be isolated, and install a solar charger. i have an automatic pump that has a manual override, on the dash to turn it on.

 

[Coors]

Re: bilge pumps- models and wiring?

use mesh, with an auto/manual switch, like tasha said

 

[82RAYSONCRAFT]

Re: bilge pumps- models and wiring?

You would be surprised at how little power consuption the new Smart Pumps(one that checks for impeller resitance every two/half minutes) actualy use.
When it cycles on and no water is present = no impeller resistance = low amp draw.

If it were to run long enough to drain the battery then you may want to get the divers to help rig the boat back to the surface.

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[82RAYSONCRAFT]

Re: bilge pumps- models and wiring?

let's try that again.

http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4804406

 

[SwampNut]

Re: bilge pumps- models and wiring?

I would wire a new pump to a different battery than the current one. Bilge pumps are generally wired directly to the battery or the terminal on the battery switch that's always hot, so it can't be turned off. "Wire it to the engine" or the ignition switch is bad advice; you probably turn off your switches (should) when you leave the boat, and power would be cut off.

I would put a bilge water alarm on the higher pump, because if it goes on, there's likely something wrong. Ours went off this weekend, and may have saved the boat.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: bilge pumps- models and wiring?

My pump is way up front in the bilge and I need to relocate more towards the back. Problem is it is next to impossible to secure the screws down. Is there some type of adhesive I can use and just glue it to the hull?