Automatic bilge pump question?
I am looking to upgrade our bilge pump which is a Rule 360 GPH itty bitty teemey weeney little pump. Now our Sea Ray is only 18.5 ft but after two days of really damn heavy rain with our boat at the boat shop, uncovered (plug out but no auto pump), I have come to realize we need two auto pumps as two is one and when one is none you are SOOL. Just got done replacing the starter which got soaked but I don't feel too bad as someone had installed a regular auto starter instead of a marine starter previously.
I am thinking of two auto pumps with a pump opf about 500 GPH farther back in the bilge and lower than a second pump of about 1100 GPH mounted maybe two inches higher and further forward in the bilge. I am running one battery so don't want a pump that might draw too much and leave us with a dead battery which isn't as bad as a flooded boat but you see my point.
Over the years have had good luck with Rule pumps in other boats but haven't a clue other than what I have read up on concerning automatic pumps or standard pumps with various float switches etc.
I am wondering what others have to offer in their opinions of auto pumps or if there is a glaring flaw in my plan I haven't forseen.
A lot of boats have burned up because of auto pumps.
Best thing is 2 batteries seperated.
There are some that will only pump when the voltage is above a certain level.
Rule does make nice pumps.
Bigger is always better.
Do you keep your boat in the water or on dry land normally? The twin pump idea is fine but 1100gph is overkill. Twin 500gph Rules would be more than enough. Mount one pump and float switch 2-3 inches higher than the main pump for your "backup" The Rule "superswitch" is a fine switch and I have installed many of them. Keep your bilge clean so no debris will keep the float switch "up" and your pump "on". If you have debris in the bilge on a regular basis, then look for a "Sure Bail" brand float switch, it has a guard over the switch to prevent debris from keeping the float "up".
If you keep your boat on dry land, just make sure the plug is out when stored along with keeping the bow elevated.
The boat is kept on dry land, stored in a covered enclosure with the cover on, though occasionally have left it afloat overnight
I am mostly concerned with any errant rainfall while the boat may be uncovered.
We keep the bilge as clean as possible and scrub it down with simple green several times a season.
Even though it was unusual circumstances that led to our boat being out in the open and taking water during this last storm I'd just like to be a bit better prepared.
