Adding automatic float switch to bilge pump

[Ted1394]

I was surprised that my 92 38s5 does not have an automatic float switch on the electric bilge pump. I'm just starting to research the project.I assume I can put the float switch in the lowest part of my bilge, run the wiring to the bilge pump located below the bunk in the aft owner's suite, leave the bilge pump switch at the power panel "on" when I'm away from the boat, and the bilge will kick on if the water rises high enough? In other words, the wires running from the float switch will complete the circuit and power the bilge pump when the water rises????Am I missing anything? Any suggestions will be appreciated!

 

[Randy]

Float switch

Got a suggestion. There is an electronic switch on the market, nice little unit that runs for about 15 seconds after the water is gone but the best part is that it only kicks on with WATER. A few months ago I screwed up when installing a new fuel filter and had the "O" ring pinched. The filter is lower than the fuel tank so you can imagine what happened.  Over a period of 12 to 15 hours I dumped about 10 gallons of fuel into thebilge. I noticed the smell of Diesel so I pulled the floor board to find the problem... Nice that I had replaced the float switch the week before or I would probably be in jail or paying a hefty fine for dumping 10 gallons of fuel over the side. I think its called a "water witch"

 

[Mike B]

Hot wire it

Moonbeam, make sure you hot wire the bilge switch and pump. In other words wire it directly to a power source that cannot be accidentally turned off. I agree with using an electronic type switch. Benny bilges are usually very shallow and you need to have the great flood occur before a standard type switch will activate. By then you have water in a lot of places that are difficult to get it out of. The switch is called a Smart Switch by See Water. The only place I could find one is online from WM. After it senses water it will run for approximately 8 secs. Another option is a switch WM carrries in their stores that has a low and high contact. Once the water hits the high contact it will run until the water drops to the lower contact. That equates to about a 2 second run time on the pump. Whichever you choose don't forget to install a fuse on the hot side.Good luckMike

 

[Kaptin-Jer]

Float switch

---and don't forget to keep your battery charger running---

 

[Doug_Meyer]

Installed one in my 323

I was surprised that Beneteau did not provide a float switch in the bilge as standard,since the bilge is so shallow. I installed one in the lowest point of the bilge and close to the sump. I also wired it through a fused switch (on/off/auto) installed at the nav station. Actually it was a fairly easy install and it just seems like cheap insurance.Fortunately, I have a dry boat, but I would hate to take a chance.

 

[Steve]

Hot wire

Wire the hot wire directly to your house battery with a fuse break. Your pump will always be on the ready.