2012 242LS ADDING 2ND BILGE PUMP

[Michepe69]

I want to add a second bilge pump to my boat. tried to search the forum but had no luck. Probably getting a rule pump and doing separate lines with separate through hull. my questions are as follows:

Use automatic or manually activated? I think auto is better
Where would be the best place to put it? Next to the factory one? Forward on bilge right in front of motors?? any other suggestion? Anyone sells brackets for it?
What is the best way to connect it? use same connection as factory? run separate wires?

 

[swatski]

Mine will be completely independent of the OEM, separate circuit, separate outlet, direct to battery (with a fuse!), and I like those simple float switches. For me that back up system needs to be:

1. robust
   
2. independently controlled/activated
3. simple

There are many ways to skin that cat.
https://jetboaters.net/threads/installing-second-bilge-pump-in-yamaha-sx230.1889/
https://jetboaters.net/threads/bilge-pump.6621/
https://jetboaters.net/threads/bilge-pump-functionality-questions.7247/
https://jetboaters.net/threads/2000gph-bilge-pump-install.12252/
https://jetboaters.net/threads/emergency-bilge-pump.12375/
https://jetboaters.net/threads/installing-a-new-bilge-pump-ls2000.2196/


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[4x15mph]

Install separate and independent as @swatski recommends for full "fault" tolerance and "disaster recovery". Use a float switch, direct connect to battery (with fuse), and separate bilge feed out of the boat. Some use a y adapter and use the same through hull but I would only do that if I was limited on access since the y adapter can be the bottleneck.

 

[Julian]

If I was going to take the time to install a 2nd bilge I'd install it 1/2 inch higher than the stock one, I'd also install a bilge alarm that is the trigger for it, and run the alarm to the helm. That way if it triggers you will know there is a serious problem. I'd wire it direct to the battery as it draws no power unless running.

 

[Bill D]

@Michepe69 My install is pretty much the same as what @Julian said. It's the 5th one down in @swatski's list above. I ran a dedicated line from the house battery switch through a fuse. I used an electric float switch to avoid any mechanical failures. The pump itself is located in the engine bay, just forward of the stock pump. The second pump has a dedicated 1 1/8" outlet. I also ran an alarm circuit to the helm so I know if there is a water problem in the engine bay. I tested it this weekend and am happy with the results, but will be lowering the float switch to activate the pump sooner. I also need to add a latching circuit to keep the pump on until the water level has been brought down to a minimum.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/emergency-bilge-pump.12375/

 

[Julian]

will be lowering the float switch to activate the pump sooner.

Just don't lower it too much so that the pump is running dry....you want the switch at the same level as the pump so that when it triggers the pump CAN pump water.

 

[Bill D]

Absolutely. Currently the switch is at the top of the backup pump, which is about 4-5" higher than the trigger-on point for the stock pump. After watching the bilge fill and how long the stock pump would run, while water was still rising, I think it needs to be another 2-3" lower. Right now it is almost at the top of the middle stanchion in the engine bay. By time I would get the alarm and bring in the reinforcements water would nearly be to the bottom of the engines.

 

[Michepe69]

Thank you so much guys!! Special thanks @Bill D for the link to his install thread with all the pics amd links to parts, will be doing this as soon as the weather allows for it here in NJ. Thanks again and happy boating!