Bilge pump advice please

[aquaholic]

Finally the factory fitted switch and pump have given up the ghost and was thinking of fitting an auto pump like the rule mate or the computerised type that check for water every few minutes.......what recommendations does the panel make /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

The Rule are a good pump, but best coupled with an ECO air press sensitive type auto switch as opposed to the Rule float switch.
I have a rule in the lowest part of the bilge wired through aforementioned switch, and a large pump fitted aft but with the suction hose picking up from the lowest point in bilge too and for setting the big pump to auto I also use the same ECO switch, but with an isolater switch between the ECO switch and the big pump supply which means I can have either or both pumps on automatic from the one ECO switchThe ECO switch can be sited outwith the bilge area ensuring it is always dry and clean.

 

[Adamastor]

Don't touch the computerised pumps! But the manual RULE is a lovely pump: also look at the Rule-Mate series with integrated float-switches very seriously: they're cheap 'n cheerful. But my favourite, if $$ isn't a problem, is the BS-series switch from Quick (yes, it's a product-punt!) driving a manually-triggered pump. Their only enemy is oily water which coats the contacts- a dry finger or a rag fixes that.

 

[sarabande]

a websearch finds BS snow blowers, exhaust valves, pallet jacks, and latex spray. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

can you give a direct link pls ?

 

[Adamastor]

Have a look here at Quick's page! Pm me if you need help.

 

[lw395]

Hi, Unless I'm miss-understanding the nature of your boat, I wouldn't be expecting it to have bilge water on a regular basis? Therefore a load sensing pump will be started up dry every few minutes unitl the seal burns out through running dry. Then when you need the pump it will fail quickly.
A normal float switch with an alarm would be my choice for a dry boat, but the rule auto ones are great for RIBs with wet wells, leaky wooden boats etc where there is enough bilge water to keep the seals cool.
Sorry if this is irrelevant!
Cheers,

 

[Adamastor]

[ QUOTE ]
A load sensing pump will be started up dry every few minutes unitl the seal burns out through running dry. Then when you need the pump it will fail quickly.

[/ QUOTE ]

Exactly. That's exactly why I disregard load-sensing pumps as an option. The Quick BS I really like, because it's damn near indestructible and hasn't got any moving parts to fail. RuleMate pumps have a built-in switch and need water to close the circuit, so the pump doesn't run dry for very long at all, and when the level's down, they switch off. No electronics to fail or give jip!
I do think an auto pump's a must if you're going to leave your boat afloat or if you've got any way for water to make ingress- stern-glands, skinfittings, etc, and fitting an alarm, especially if there are unserviced compartments, makes belt-and-braces sense. Engine compartments and in thru-hull compartments are obvious places.