Automatic bilge pump - what’s the most reliable?

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Minerva

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we have a sureflow bilge pump with the nodding donkey style auto switch. I’ve discovered when cleaning my bilges this winter that it no longer works on auto mode despite only being 2 season old at best (I think I changed it last winter).

Looking online and there are all-in one auto bilge pumps with the sensor inside the pump. Are these more reliable or is it just a larger expense to swap out when they fail?

Ta
 
I hope Seaflo are good ... I got a new 4700 gph one for Christmas from the rear-admiral complete with a separate auto-switch. It looks very well built and it will be taking up residence very soon.

My current pump was too weedy IMO, and never got used because the bilge fills with fluff and crumbs, not water.

It better be good 'cos I've got a Bavaria, and everyone keeps telling me my keel will fall off - hasn't happened in the last 15 years to either my old one, or my new one, but you never know. :eek:
 
Baggywrinkle said:
I hope Seaflo are good ... I got a new 4700 gph one for Christmas from the rear-admiral complete with a separate auto-switch. It looks very well built and it will be taking up residence very soon.

My current pump was too weedy IMO, and never got used because the bilge fills with fluff and crumbs, not water.

It better be good 'cos I've got a Bavaria, and everyone keeps telling me my keel will fall off - hasn't happened in the last 15 years to either my old one, or my new one, but you never know. :eek:
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Bavaria! Best get an ex RNLI one, just to be safe eh! 😎
 
Baggywrinkle said:
I hope Seaflo are good ... I got a new 4700 gph one for Christmas from the rear-admiral complete with a separate auto-switch. It looks very well built and it will be taking up residence very soon.

My current pump was too weedy IMO, and never got used because the bilge fills with fluff and crumbs, not water.

...
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Someone should make a wet-and-dry auto vacuum cleaner...
 
I just replaced the factory fitted "Rule Mate 1100" as the auto function packed up.

The "float" is electronic, a circuit board inside the pump body. Seem to be a lot of complaints online but then again, thousands more must be in regular use.

Had to replace like with like as the sump moulded into the Beneteau Oceanis hull is quite small. The newer model a bit smaller than the old.

rule_mate1100.jpg
 
wonkywinch said:
I just replaced the factory fitted "Rule Mate 1100" as the auto function packed up.

The "float" is electronic, a circuit board inside the pump body. Seem to be a lot of complaints online but then again, thousands more must be in regular use.

Had to replace like with like as the sump moulded into the Beneteau Oceanis hull is quite small. The newer model a bit smaller than the old.

View attachment 207049
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I had trouble with the rule mate as any oil in bilge stopped the auto. Flushing with bucket of water fixes it and soapy water useful once a year

I have a whale pump also but one whale had similar issues. Whale pump set slightly higher on 3rd battery not aux bat
 
oldmanofthehills said:
I had trouble with the rule mate as any oil in bilge stopped the auto. Flushing with bucket of water fixes it and soapy water useful once a year

I have a whale pump also but one whale had similar issues. Whale pump set slightly higher on 3rd battery not aux bat
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Tried all that. It unclips easily from the blue base. I cleaned it thoroughly with soapy water. Put it back but no luck. With the bilge dry, it wouldn't activate with a finger on the side either.

Might sell it on here for a few beer tokens as it still works perfectly in manual mode.
 
Sadly, I think the answer to OP’s question is that none are unfailingly reliable. Which is to say, for any brand of pump, someone on here will have a tale of woe regarding its longevity in the dark and damp recesses of their bilges. I have a Rule 2000 and a Whale Supersub. Both cost a pretty penny - The Whale one has been replaced under warranty but neither fill me with confidence having researched them on the sailing forums.
 
Does anyone have experience of pneumatic switches?
1772203411465.png

It seems like a good idea as it keeps the switch out of the water. Years ago someone sold a washing machine water level switch as a bilge pump switch. I kept the switch when I scrapped my previous washing machine but haven't yet got around to trying it out. They have contacts for several different levels and are adjustable.
1772203704067.png
 
Minerva said:
we have a sureflow bilge pump with the nodding donkey style auto switch. I’ve discovered when cleaning my bilges this winter that it no longer works on auto mode despite only being 2 season old at best (I think I changed it last winter).

Looking online and there are all-in one auto bilge pumps with the sensor inside the pump. Are these more reliable or is it just a larger expense to swap out when they fail?

Ta
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I found electronic switches more reliable than the floating lever actuated type.

The water witch (if spelling or indeed name is correct is overpriced).

A small company made my switch which lasted and never gave up for about £25. The company and its designs are up for sale. No idea why.
 
wonkywinch said:
I just replaced the factory fitted "Rule Mate 1100" as the auto function packed up.

The "float" is electronic, a circuit board inside the pump body. Seem to be a lot of complaints online but then again, thousands more must be in regular use.

Had to replace like with like as the sump moulded into the Beneteau Oceanis hull is quite small. The newer model a bit smaller than the old.

View attachment 207049
Click to expand...
I just replaced a RuleMate 1100 on one of our club RIB's as well - fitted brand new with the boat from the XS RIB factory less than 2 years ago and already packed in!
 
I used a WaterWitch switch and manual Rule pump on my 9m Ribtec which was still working perfectly when I sold it after ~10 years, the switches are quite expensive but seem to last. A lot of serious motor boat/trawler owners seem to use/recommend the Ultra Safety Systems bilge switches, which are even more expensive!
 
paulbrown22 said:
I used a WaterWitch switch and manual Rule pump on my 9m Ribtec which was still working perfectly when I sold it after ~10 years, the switches are quite expensive but seem to last. A lot of serious motor boat/trawler owners seem to use/recommend the Ultra Safety Systems bilge switches, which are even more expensive!
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Yes, water witch overpriced. I bought my electronic switch at a much cheaper price. 10 years and it still works.
 
andsarkit said:
Does anyone have experience of pneumatic switches?
View attachment 207058

It seems like a good idea as it keeps the switch out of the water. Years ago someone sold a washing machine water level switch as a bilge pump switch. I kept the switch when I scrapped my previous washing machine but haven't yet got around to trying it out. They have contacts for several different levels and are adjustable.
View attachment 207059
Click to expand...
I bought a basic washing machine water level switch on ebay and installed it 11 years ago as a warning device and it still, works perfectly. If you add a relay it will control a pump too. As the electrical part of the switch, and the relay, are mounted way above waterlevel they will be very reliable
 
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