Bilge Pump Float Switch Issue

c130king

c130king

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Mar 22, 2009
360
Catalina 310 Gulfport Small Craft Harbor, MS
When sailing on a port tack, heeling to starboard (maybe 10 degrees or more), my bilge pump runs continuously. I haven't actually looked at it during this situation but I assume the angle causes the water to flow to the starboard side and my float switch to move activating the pump. I normally just turn the pump off and then turn it back on once I am no longer heeling. This only happens on port tack...no issue on starboard tack.

Anyone else experienced this issue before? Any thoughts?

Appreciate any inputs.

Cheers,
Jim
 
gpd955

gpd955

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Feb 22, 2006
1,164
Catalina 310 Cape May, NJ
What kind of pump? Does it have the internal float switch or external one?

If the switch is not paralell to the centerline it may activate with gravity.
 
Tom J

Tom J

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Sep 30, 2008
2,309
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
When I bought my C310, I had an issue with the factory mounted float switch. The original bilge pump had burned up, so the PO gave me a new pump when we closed on the boat. When I installed the pump and tested it, I found that the pump often did not shut off when the water level was to the bottom of the pump and it was sucking air. I checked the installation instructions and found that the float switch was supposed to be mounted 1/4" higher than the base of the pump. I put S/S washers under the float switch, and the problem was solved. Maybe your switch is right at that point where it turns on with the added level of water on port tack, but there isn't any water under the pump.
 
c130king

c130king

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Mar 22, 2009
360
Catalina 310 Gulfport Small Craft Harbor, MS
I think Jack nailed it. It is a Rule pump with an external float switch that is mounted across the bilge rather than along the bilge.

Can anyone point me towards a pump and/or a float switch that will fit in the space properly so as to avoid the athwartships installation?

Thanks,
Jim
 
Tom J

Tom J

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Sep 30, 2008
2,309
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
Jim, I did a little research on this last summer. The problem is the small footprint between the keel bolts. I wanted to get away from the Rule pumps (that's another story), and I ended up getting an Atwood pump and keeping the old float switch. The Atwood is a much better pump, but loses its prime if the bilge is dry, so I keep a small amount of fresh water in the bilge. MY intention is to install a parallel system utilizing a diaphragm pump and 1 1/8" hose with a remote pickup. More like a real bilge pump.
 
JK_Boston_Catalina310

JK_Boston_Catalina310

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Nov 18, 2010
2,441
Catalina 310 Hingham, MA
I would recommend that you get away from the mechanical bilge pump switch and go with an electronic one instead. The new, non-mercury float switches just don't work as well. I would recommend the Water Witch Model 217 Switch. Much more reliable then the mechanical ones.

Maine Sail recommends this too.

Fair winds,

Jesse
 
c130king

c130king

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Mar 22, 2009
360
Catalina 310 Gulfport Small Craft Harbor, MS
Tom,

Yes. I was an AF C-130 pilot for 20+ years. Recently retired.

Jesse, I will look into those electric switch style pumps. Thanks.

Cheers,
Jim
 
Tom J

Tom J

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Sep 30, 2008
2,309
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
c130king said:
Tom,

Yes. I was an AF C-130 pilot for 20+ years. Recently retired.

Jesse, I will look into those electric switch style pumps. Thanks.

Cheers,
Jim
Click to expand
From a great airplane to a great sailboat! You'll enjoy your retirement, I'm sure.
 
Long Story

Long Story

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Aug 24, 2009
444
Catalina 310 Sturgeon Bay, WI
I ended up switching to this style pump (Johnson Bilge Pump) which fits the space very nice, has a built in float switch, check valve and is easy to clean and replace the power cartridge if it fails. It fits the limited space we have nicely.

And before the comments come in, yes I know I should change to smooth wall hose, that was put there by the PO and is on my spring list.
 

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C

Chief RA

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Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
c130king: 21 years military, Navy ET1 10 yrs, Army CW3 11 years. 2yrs Vietnam as Electronic maint. officer and rode C130s many miles!
I just ordered a bilge pump for my Catalina 250 wing keel as it has never had anything but the manual one. Not much bilge room so hope it fits!
Chief
 
P

paulj

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Mar 16, 2007
1,361
Catalina 310 Anacortes,Wa
Chief RA said:
c130king: 21 years military, Navy ET1 10 yrs, Army CW3 11 years. 2yrs Vietnam as Electronic maint. officer and rode C130s many miles!
I just ordered a bilge pump for my Catalina 250 wing keel as it has never had anything but the manual one. Not much bilge room so hope it fits!
Chief
Click to expand




Ahhh those were the days ...........C 119 , C 124 and c130



AF 19696859 reporting as ordered Sir.


paulj :troll:
 
Tom J

Tom J

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Sep 30, 2008
2,309
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
Long Story, I like that Johnson bilge pump. Everything in one compact package, thanks.
C130king, I rode C-130's in and around Thailand forty years ago. Once, we did a "buddy start". Considered illegal according to a crewman, but the alternative was to wait for a new starter from Bangkok. I ended up with a SAC unit that flew the Lockheed SR-71. My job as an AGE mechanic was to maintain the "Buick" start carts. Two Buick engines side-by side, with straight pipes. Every Blackbird engine start sounded like a drag race! I loved that job!
 
c130king

c130king

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Mar 22, 2009
360
Catalina 310 Gulfport Small Craft Harbor, MS
I will look for one of those Johnson Bilge Pumps. Any advice on what size pump is suitable for a boat this size? I think my Rule pump is 1000 gph...but will have to double check that.

Polaris is currently in the boat yard for waxing, painting and a few other small issues. Some pics below for your viewing pleasure. Plus a bonus pic of the Herc I have the most time in -- HC-130 refueling a SpecOps helicopter. This is a boring daytime pic...more fun was the night, low-level, in the mountains, no lights, comm-out, NVG refueling. Think I will stick with sailing now...much more relaxing.

Cheers,
Jim
 

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Picflight

Picflight

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Jul 21, 2013
333
Searching for 1st sailing boat 27-28, 34-36 Channel Islands, Marina Del Rey
Very nice combination of flying and sailing.
 
Long Story

Long Story

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Aug 24, 2009
444
Catalina 310 Sturgeon Bay, WI
c130king said:
I will look for one of those Johnson Bilge Pumps. Any advice on what size pump is suitable for a boat this size? I think my Rule pump is 1000 gph...but will have to double check that.


Cheers,
Jim
Click to expand
Defender is a good starting point in your search. I used an 800 because my boat only had a 600 that I was replacing. That way the port size (discharge hose) didn't change, and it only draws 5 amps. I have never had an issue, it pumps like crazy when needed. If I changed again I would most likely go to the 1600 @ 7 amps and a 1 1/8" discharge. (why would I up size? Just because I guess.)

Hard to beat the price...for a complete unit you need the pump and the clip on switch unit. The existing panel worked just fine with this pump, for manual / automatic function.

They also make a low-boy now that was not out when I replaced my unit.

Russ
 
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