Automatic Bilge Pump Suggestion

John Haggerty · September 16

I'm going to start storing my boat in the water tied to a dock. It's a 17ft deep-v aluminum. Should I get a pump with switch built-in or go with a separate float and pump?

Thanks,
John

gandrfab · September 16

How about one of each.

Really leaving a boat on the water should have 2 pumps direct to the battery's.
Both can work perfectly well and if someone steals your batteries it still sinks. :banghead

I had a 17' checkmate that I was keeping in a friends back yard on Dupont Lake, Deltona, FL
Batteries were stolen, lucky me the water was shallow and I left the motor down the power-head stayed dry.

finbully · September 16

Yep 2 pumps.

Alex from GA · September 17

I've had one of the pumps that sample the bilge about every couple of minutes and if there's water it keeps pumping if not it shuts off in a second or so. It's been on my boat for 10 years and I keep it in the fresh water.

Fletch · September 23

I have 4 pumps on both of my water slipped boats. Can never be too careful. They're both inboard diesels so I want to keep them as dry as possible. I have a mixture of the auto sampling pumps mentioned above and separate pumps/float switches. I have had very good success with Sure-Bail float switches over the years (the ones with mercury switches). Occasionally have to re-do a connector and clean grease/scum off the paddle pivot arm but they just seem to keep on working and working.

InstaGator · October 11

I have both types, separate float and one built into the pump. I have had much better luck with the bilge pump with a built in float switch. I use Rule pumps for the past 20 yrs and they have always worked well for me.

cortr · October 11

Definitely 2 pumps, one auto and one manual

larrywitt · October 11

I have two, one manual and auto about 5 inches higher as long as i have electrical power to the on board chargers . all is good. Boat is in the water all the time.
larrywitt

End of the Line · October 11

Definitely go separate pump and switches. The switch is the weak link in any auto pump. 2 pumps offer peace of mind as long as your batteries stay charged. I’m a fan of rule pumps with the ultra pump systems switch. The switch is expensive, but it’s as close to a bomb proof switch as you’ll ever see.

Automatic Bilge Pump Suggestion

Replies