Vitalba
Well-Known Member
What are the pros and cons of mounting the float hinge axis parallel to the center line of the boat as opposed to 90 degs. to it and why ,or doesnt it matter ? VITALBA.
RULE- A-MATIC FLOAT SWITCH
- Thread starter Vitalba
- Start date
cliffordpope
Well-Known Member
One obvious difference which springs to mind is that if the water level has risen to the point where the switch is about to trip, a sideways-mounted float might be activated by the boat rolling. So on average therefore in a busy or exposed waterway the water level might be perhaps half an inch lower than in a dead calm.
It would be less likely I would have thought for the same effect to occur from pitching, unless perhaps the peculiarities of the bilge encouraged disproportionate sloshing.
It would be less likely I would have thought for the same effect to occur from pitching, unless perhaps the peculiarities of the bilge encouraged disproportionate sloshing.
KenMcCulloch
Well-Known Member
I agree with Clifford. I have one of these in my tiny bilge mounted with the pivot axis athwartships because that's the only way there's room for it. Another problem is that in a boat that is sensitive to trim fore and aft there are effects on the switch operation. Mine sometimes continues to run even with the bilge more or less dry until some weight (mine usually) is shifted forrard. A cunning plan to eliminate this difficulty is part of this winter's refit.
Roach1948
Well-Known Member
I have been through several (branded) pumps/switches in my lifetime. Although many manufacturers say pumps can be run dry, I think it best to mount the switch higher up the bilge to minamilise dry running. Mine is mounted with the hinge facing downhill which helps too.
Seanick
Well-Known Member
I don't fit any float switches any more.
For a deep deep bilge I use the jabsco air switch, but the most sucssesful to date is a Water Witch.
Have a look here.....
Fitted quite a few. No probs, performs well, no sticking, fouling and if you lose your entire tankful of fuel into the bilge it will not pump it over the side, so saving the planet.
http://www.penguineng.com/products/bilge/
The bilge pump counter is useful too, especially for monitoring taking up.
Saying that, I dont use either on my own boat as is has no electric pumps! (and no leaks!)
For a deep deep bilge I use the jabsco air switch, but the most sucssesful to date is a Water Witch.
Have a look here.....
Fitted quite a few. No probs, performs well, no sticking, fouling and if you lose your entire tankful of fuel into the bilge it will not pump it over the side, so saving the planet.
http://www.penguineng.com/products/bilge/
The bilge pump counter is useful too, especially for monitoring taking up.
Saying that, I dont use either on my own boat as is has no electric pumps! (and no leaks!)
Salty John
Well-Known Member
I agree, solid state is the way to go. I used to fit the Bilge Mate on charter fleet boats and on my own boat. Now I sell them in Europe:
http://www.saltyjohn.com/bilge-mate.htm
http://www.saltyjohn.com/bilge-mate.htm