Understanding Bilge Pumps

[moboy3201]

I am a new boater and have a couple of questions about the bilge pump. I bought a used boat and the guy I bought it from said he put in an automatic pump. Cool I thought. Now on the dash I have a switch to activate the bilge pump. So I guess my question is, do I just leave the switch in the on position when underway and let it do it's thing or before and after each trip? Also, when it is moored in the slip during the week and I am not there, should I leave the switch on ? Should I get a deep cell battery just for the pump? We had to replace batteries and we took out two deep cells plus the smaller battery. In addition, we took off the trolling motor so I know I won't need two deep cells. Like I said, new boater questions of which I am ignorant. I appreciate the help.

 

[rockyrude]

Re: Understanding Bilge Pumps

The switch for the bilge pump should be three position on-off-auto, when underway or docked unattended leave it in auto and let it do its thing. If the switch is two position and the pump has the float then leave it in the on position. If you are going to leave it for a while, make sure you have enough battery or a charger to keep the battery up.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Understanding Bilge Pumps

Kind of a double edged sword......

If you are going to stay moored I would suggest an automatic bilge pump with a float switch and wire it so it works when water triggers the float switch.

If you wire it direct it will kill your batttery in VERY short order. I would invest in a better bilge pump....... however, check the one you have.... it may be an automatic model that was not installed properly.

 

[moboy3201]

Re: Understanding Bilge Pumps

Thanks for the input. That gives me a direction to go. I believe it has a floater on it, but I'll check it out and see how it's wired up.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Understanding Bilge Pumps

Mine have a float like yours. They are set up to automatically turn on if the float flips up. I also have a two way switch on my dash that will turn them on regardless of float position. One pump sits on the lowest part of the bilge the other one is higher and its only there incase the you know what hits the fan.

 

[moboy3201]

Re: Understanding Bilge Pumps

Thanks Ivaz, I think you are right about the switches. I believe that is the way mine is set up also. I'm putting in this wednesday and will be at the lake house for 4 days, so I'll monitor it and make sure it isn't sinking.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Understanding Bilge Pumps

After you figure out the wiring, you may want to verify the the bilge pump is working before you splash the boat for the first time. (Actually pumping water)

Easy way would be to crank the tounge jack of th trailer all the way up so the boat is on a good angle with the transom low. Install the plug and dump a little bit of water in, just enough to activat the switch and let it pump for a few seconds so you can see the water discharge out the side of the boat. Then pull the plug and let all the water drain out. As long as this worked and a nice low of water coming out, you will know that everything is working. Float, pump, hose, etc.

Just a ittle extra peace of mind while sleeping at night

Just my 2 cents though....

Good luck!