IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

[Ralph 123]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

I use a float switch tied to piezzo electric buzzer in the bilge. It serves to remind me when the plug is left out or my bilge pump is not working. Simple and effective. <br /><br />I got a Mayfair float switch off eBay for like $10 and a $10 big buzzer from Radio Shack (Needed a big one because you can't hear much with twin 350s and thru hull)<br /><br />However, whenever I launch the boat I go right to thee egine compartment and listen for water running before I pull the trailer away.

 

[tmac58star]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

I just keep the plug on my boat keyring, as a reminder.

 

[ndemge]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

I have one pump in my boat now... manual.<br /><br />I have a 2nd pump that I'm going to install with a float switch... just gotta psych myself up to drilling that hole in the side of the boat.<br /><br />Last time out, I realized my plug leaks about 5 gallons of watter into the boat every night. From the float switch there will be a buzzer and light on the dash in parallel with the pump.

 

[jimchere]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

Design the device so that it alarms not only in the boat, but in the tow vehicle using a simple low power RF transmission to both alarming (warning horn) sounders. Make it simple so that attachment of the RF activated warning horn can be velcro attached under the dash.<br />Wanna go in on a patent?

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

I agree with JB and Ray on this one. A simple devise like a plumbing backflow preventer would be the simplest and least expensive. It will only let water go through the valve one way. How much simpler could it be. No wires no key no alarm no hassles. It couldn't be that hard to design one that would last for ever.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

too late for a patent - you just disclosed it in a public forum as a reult, it would be denied.

 

[jimchere]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

Year Ralph that's right. Not to mention someone with the right connections to start productions was reading.<br />maybe we'll see it in a year? Okay, I got lots of other ideas on the table.

 

[bolted4]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

Not to hurt anyones feeling. This is just my point of view. So please dont yell at me!<br /><br />Problem with backflow preventers, or check valves is you need some pressure to push which we try to get allmost alllll the water out of our boats which has barely any pressure so how do you close valve tightly on a low pressure flapper, and the water or liquid should be semi-clean water. I know my boat gets salad (seaweed), leaves, twigs, fishing, line, dirt, scum buildup etc,,,,(Oh ya and my rotting out floor and stringers) which would end up causing leakage in these type of valves<br /><br />Problem with electronic devises is that you normally dont have power going to your boat till you are in the water or have the key turned on or whatever, anyways, what I am getting at is you dont want to have a dead battery at the beginning of the fishing trip. Also, would the average boater pay $100 (just guessing first production price)for a remote gizzmo or would he pay the $29.99 setup from West Marine. I suppose though if you just had 1% of the boating market buy one you could be a rich man. <br /><br />Sorry but I have no good ideas to offer

 

[dogsdad]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

Good comments, gents! <br /><br />I've drawn a simple plan for the initial idea, but you guys are making really great suggestions and comments that have me thinking. There are some great ideas here---please keep 'em coming!<br /><br />-dd-

 

[ob]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

How about just a decal sticker near the trailer winch that reads "put the plug in stupid." <br />standard sticker- $2.00 Bilingual sticker $2.50

 

[Red Rider]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

Just buy a self bailing boat, or remember to put the plug in.

 

[bolted4]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

How about playing "Punch Bug" If you or your buddy see's water in the boat you hit the other person!<br /><br />(wife might not like it if you see water first)<br /><br />Guess that wont work,,,, Back to drawing board

 

[dogsdad]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

That's a good one, ob...but I'm operating on the assumption that people are mostly like me, and I WANT GADGETS!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

Didn't read every post thoughly, but would wiring a bilge float switch to an alarm be an option?????????? <br /> A switch (float) used only to activate alarm, and atleast give you a chance at getting the plug in.........

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

walleyehed - Yes that's what I did on my boat. It also serves to let me know my bilge pump has failed. <br /><br />I'm a little paranoid though. The first time I launched the Formula after the major rebuild last year she took on water through a hole in the transom plate hidden under the water pickup tube. My bilge pump glogged and wasn't pumping out the water. All this about 10mi out. Good thing I had a spare pump and hose with battery clips ready to go just in case such a thing happened. So, like I said, I am a little paranoid.<br /><br />I am far more concerned with a failed bilge pump than a forgotten plug.<br /><br />OB has the real solution. Just like the blower sticker on new boats.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

I put a second pump and float switch in my bilge just a little higher than the first set wired to an alarm on the dash, if it goes off that tells me either the first pump/switch isn't working or there's more water coming than it can handle.

 

[garycinn]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

How about one of these? They are available at your local home center for about $10. The wire with two contacts could be positioned a couple of inches above the bilge pump and the alarm unit up to 6 feet away from that. I use one to extend into my sump pit at the house 6" above the sump pump.<br /> water alarm

 

[bolted4]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

Now that is what you need. Long battery life AND CHEAP!!! It does not stop the idea of opps I forgot the plug but it would provide you hopefully with enough time to get the plug in or yank the boat back out of water. I hope it has a silence switch. I will check it out tomorow if I can find it. I could use it at work. Thanks Gary

 

[garycinn]

Re: IDEA! What Do You Guys Think?

You're welcome. No silencer button on it, but all you have to do is pull the two contacts from the water to turn it off. I also thought that you could extend the main box with alarm to under the dash by splicing and adding wire. I know both Home Depot and Lowe's carry these. Look in the sump pump sections.