auto bilge pump

[clownpuncher]

I'm thinking of replacing my manual bilge with an automatic.
1 Any input on brands and size?
2 Pro's and con's?
3 Ease of install?
4 Should I instal one and keep my switch activated one too?
This will be for an 18 foot Challenger. Thanks in advance
[ May 31, 2003, 07:47 PM: Message edited by: clownpuncher ]

[GlastronGuy]

I have an auto but I only use it manually. I am afraid it will come on when the fish cop is talking to me and with my luck I will have sprung an oil leak 2 minutes before. I am also worried that when docked it will get stuck on and kill the battery. Of course, I quess that's better than sinking. :)

[Cas]

Put one in one of my boats 3+ years ago and it works great.
I'm going to be adding one in the other boat very shortly.
As far as installation, it's real easy. All you do is wire one lead of the float to a 12v source and the other lead to the + side of the pump. The negative side of the pump goes to ground....all done.

[JetBoatRich]

Mine is both manual and auto, never a problem. wink I recommend this setup. If you have a engine hatch you like the security of water getting pumped out before it is to late when you notice. (as long as it isn't to much water) devil

[77charger]

I had a rule auto 500 it is a newer one and is a one piece unit w/ only two wires compared to three.Once you turn it on it cycles for a second or two.If it senses a load it will continue to stay on til the load drops. i f left on It cycles every 3-5 min(if i remember correctly)If no water it shuts off really fast.It is the best auto pump i have used and highly recomend this one(my boss also runs them for the flatbottom and is happy with them also
One thing to avoid are the separate bilge pump floats that connect to the pump or mount in a separate spot then wire to the pump.they seem to fail alot.

[DUCKY]

My Dad got an Attwood "Sahara" pump at Walmart for about $40. It has an internal float for auto use and is also switchable. It works great! I already bought one for my boat.

[HBjet]

Cheap Insurance!
I have the one piece unit too and it's the best. You can turn off the auto portion of it or just let it be. When the batteries are on, so is the pump. I've never had it stick on, but I do switch over to one battery when I leave the boat in the water overnight. So, if it does stay on all night, I still have a good battery!
I say get one and you will wish you did sooner. Also, get the one piece unit. You will be happy.
HBjet :D
[ May 31, 2003, 11:59 PM: Message edited by: HBjet ]

[TRG]

hey randy are you doin the i.e. lake in the morn? todd

[SeaSlut]

I use the Rule Auto 500. What I would like is to be able to have a light on the dash that would come on when the pump is in auto mode.
i.e. is the light stays on for a long time, you might want to check the bilge.

[Mohavekid]

Good idea to run an automatic pump.
I have one manual and one automatic with a built in float switch (Mayfair I think). Works great and no problems after several years of use.

[Danhercules]

I have a manual pump. Its also wired up with a float switch. Its seems to work great. I test it every trip. I never had to use the float though. I never want to use it. I can sleep better at night when I leave it in the water.

[Hallett19]

I put a West Marine 750gph auto bilge w/ a built in level check. I have yet to do overnight parking, but this one does not check like the Rule pump does.

[clownpuncher]

Thanks fellas. I'm thinking I'll put in an automatic one-piece and keep my manual as a back-up. More switches on the dash.
Do you think 750 GPH is the right size? Tried to look on Rex Marine web site, but they didn't have any detailed info on the pumps. Rexone?

[77charger]

clownpuncher:
Thanks fellas. I'm thinking I'll put in an automatic one-piece and keep my manual as a back-up. More switches on the dash.
Do you think 750 GPH is the right size? Tried to look on Rex Marine web site, but they didn't have any detailed info on the pumps. Rexone? When it comes to a bilge pump there is no such thing as too small as long as you can mount it :D

[Hallett19]

77charger:
When it comes to a bilge pump there is no such thing as too small as long as you can mount it :D And if your exit holes are big enough on the side or transom of your boat.

[Ultra21]

I was just thinking of doing the same thing but wanted to add a float switch and another pump. Can you "Y" into the existing tube for exit rather than drill another hole in the hull? I was thinking that if the auto pump came on, the water might back flow through the manual pump(?) Any thoughts on this? I like the idea of switching to one battery over night.

[69 Elim]

one thing to consider if using an engine hatch, it an idiot light on the dash when the pump kicks on. very simple to do and could warn you of a major problem before it gets too late.