Bilge pump

[Philip]

just found out that the guy who replaced my bilge pump put in a non automatic.( just bought boat- 2011 242) From factory are the pumps automatic ? I need to replace and want to make sure I don't need to wire direct to battery if it was set up that way already.

Thanks

 

[Ronnie]

The Stock pumps are "automatic". That is, they power up every few minutes and are supposed to stay on if there is any resistance on the pumps impeller. Many, including me, found that the pimp does not always stay on like it's supposed to. I have not replaced mine yet but if I were going to id go with one that can be switched on manually as well as via a float switch.

 

[Bruce]

Does the bilge pump run all the time when the switch is on or just when water is present?

I used a UltimaBilge™ 600 bilge pumps as my second bilge pump. You could install a similar pump or simply add a float switch to what you have.

 

[Billtex2000]

On my '06, I found a Rule 360 GPH On/Off pump that was a plug and play replacement. I added a Johnson Ultima Auto Bilge Pump Float and attached it right to the side of the pump with silicone and wire ties. I disconnected the old pump from the strainer, snapped the new one into the strainer with the float switch, connected the 3 wires...instant piece of mind! Now the pump will run automatically with the float switch with the helm switch off, or will run constant as long as the switch is on!

Keep the pump you have if it's manual and just add the float switch in-line!

 

[Philip]

Thanks. It's pouring here in ny and keeping running to boat to check. Plus they took me if the lift and sunk them to avoid storm damage so boat is in water today and I hate it. Maybe just pull out as I don't want in water

 

[Bruce]

If you have a hurricane coming and you have the option of doing so I would get the boat out of the water and to somewhere safe.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Thanks. It's pouring here in ny and keeping running to boat to check. Plus they took me if the lift and sunk them to avoid storm damage so boat is in water today and I hate it. Maybe just pull out as I don't want in water

Someone told you to keep the boat in the water during a storm?

No!

If you can't get it on a trailer and move it inland, keep it on the lift and raise it as high as you can. Strap the lift so it can't bang around in high winds. If the boat drain plug is higher than 3' above mean tide while on the lift, pull the drain plug to allow water to flow out.

 

[Big Shasta]

Definitely wire the new pump directly to the battery. One with a float switch or a water sensing one (I used the rule mate 750). No more running down the battery for no reason and no way to forget to turn it on.

 

[Philip]

This is what marina wanted to avoid Damage to lift. Boats in a protected slip but that being said I'm probably going to pull boat out of water today.

 

[Philip]

All good pulled boat out. Bought a auto bilge. Good to go for next season.