Automatic bilge pump problems
- Thread starter jim
- Start date
Terry
I have had seven boats over the past 30 years and have found that automatic anything doesn't work when you want them to.
Depend on the manual because if you depend on the $22 switch to keep your boat afloat then you are looking for trouble. The manual is a bit more effort but it is a surefire way of keeping your boat on the top of the water where it belongs.
Capt B
I have had seven boats over the past 30 years and have found that automatic anything doesn't work when you want them to.
Depend on the manual because if you depend on the $22 switch to keep your boat afloat then you are looking for trouble. The manual is a bit more effort but it is a surefire way of keeping your boat on the top of the water where it belongs.
Capt B
I've a 384. The switch is mounted to a piece of marine ply cut to the shape of the bottom of the aft bilge( just forward of the engine) to witch the pump is also monted. I've substituted a West Ultra for the older Rule float switch and it seems to work just fine.
Some day I install another pump and switch in the bilge behind the mast just incase.
Some day I install another pump and switch in the bilge behind the mast just incase.
After two failed switches I purchased a "Bildge Buddy". It has no moving parts and works by water across two electrodes.
I found that the float switches stuck as the boat leaned over. The "BB" (made in the USA) seems to work well and I avoided drilling into the bildge wall or floor by using cable ties to fix it to the body of the pump. Cost in the UK, where I live, is about $25.
I found that the float switches stuck as the boat leaned over. The "BB" (made in the USA) seems to work well and I avoided drilling into the bildge wall or floor by using cable ties to fix it to the body of the pump. Cost in the UK, where I live, is about $25.
I have a 98 model. It is located under my battery which is in the first floor hatch aft of the mast. You get to it by removing the battery. 
We are having trouble with ours too. I have a replacement scheduled and I am going to add an alarm to alert the marina if the water gets too high. You might consider that as an option. BOATUS insurance will tell you that they always sink in the harbor when you aren't on board. At least if mine sinks it will make enought noise to wake up the neighbors.
bob
We are having trouble with ours too. I have a replacement scheduled and I am going to add an alarm to alert the marina if the water gets too high. You might consider that as an option. BOATUS insurance will tell you that they always sink in the harbor when you aren't on board. At least if mine sinks it will make enought noise to wake up the neighbors.bob