Auto bilge pump switch---Recommendations?

saltwater_gypsy

saltwater_gypsy

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Now back in Scotland . Boat for sale
www.saltwatergypsy.com
Another bilge pump float switch (flipper type) has just melted on me.
My experience with these has been abysmal. They have stuck ON stuck OFF, melted ON Melted OFF , broken wires etc etc.
There are some other types eg air tube but I know nothing about them.
Does anybody out there have a positive recommendation for a replacement switch.Thanks.
 
My first a rule switch lasted years until it got frozen last year over here - then the case cracked. Still works but casing slowly fills with water and then it doesn't float up.
Bought another and that's higher when lifts and is very close to cabin sole underside. It works, but I'm replacing it with this .... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=150287680577

Solid state and cheapest I've seen. Once I fit and test I'll report back on it. I was going to buy saltyjohns, as I heard good reports ... but price was too attractive on this alternative. Sorry mate !
 
#1 : I use a relay to feed the battery to the pump, regardless of the type of sensing switch. It keeps the wires short (and thick) and has better contacts.
#2 : A water level sensor from a washing machine attached to a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off (to form a bell shape) make an excellent sensor and means the contacts are well out of reach of the water.
#3 : if the relay is a delay type (from a car interior light circuit) it stops cycling problems, by making sure the water is pumped out even after the level switch has reset.
 
My advise would be to go down the air route. Why not make you own. Scrap yard for tumble drier air valve, a bit of Polly tube and connect as normal. Whole lot cost me no more than £5. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
We use 12 volt bilge pumps with built in monitoring circuit, every 2 minutes the impeller spins and resistance or laqck of resistance is measured, if resistance to pumping is felt then the pump continues until the water is pumped out...

These are self contained units.
 
Many years ago I spent a season doing mainenance on a charter fleet, to top up the cruising kitty, and we progressively replaced all the float switches with solid state switches.
The float switches crapped out after only a few months duty but I never replaced a solid state switch, so I'm convinced they are the way to go. I just like to wind up Nigel!
I'm sure the Water Witch is fine.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Many years ago I spent a season doing mainenance on a charter fleet, to top up the cruising kitty, and we progressively replaced all the float switches with solid state switches.
The float switches crapped out after only a few months duty but I never replaced a solid state switch, so I'm convinced they are the way to go. I just like to wind up Nigel!
I'm sure the Water Witch is fine.

[/ QUOTE ]

No prob's ....

I had no problem with my float switch until it got frozen in at
-20C in winter. Plastic case didn't like it.

I've been using modified Smoke Alarm and bath Filling Alarms as bilge monitor alarms. Cheap and very effective. I'm hoping that lack of moving parts will make it better.

My bilge pump in cabin is wired to a 3 position switch ... left is manual , centre is OFF, right is automatic via detector.

If the WW is faulty or fails in a short period - I'm sure I can argue enough witrh supplier !! I have plenty of practice arguing with people on here !! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
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