Hi all -- I would appreciate your opinions regarding the best bilge pump float switch to purchase. Price is secondary to reliability and longevity. Thanks in advance. Steve
bilge pump switch
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Better luck with the built in ones
Steve: I have had better luck with the ones that are built into the pump. One piece and they never seem to foul. I have had NOTHING but trouble with the traditional float switch like the Whale units. Some of these newer electronic units look good, but I have not had any experience with them, so no opinion on them.
Steve: I have had better luck with the ones that are built into the pump. One piece and they never seem to foul. I have had NOTHING but trouble with the traditional float switch like the Whale units. Some of these newer electronic units look good, but I have not had any experience with them, so no opinion on them.
where in the bilge?
Steve D, How far aft do you put your pump, and what brand pump are you currently using. I have a float switch in a container to avoid clogging, but because of the narrow space in the bottom of the bilge, it never gets all the water out and I am left hand-pumping to get it dry when I leave the boat for any time. Also, while I'm asking, do you have a back-up pump? Thanks Sanders s/v Good News
Steve D, How far aft do you put your pump, and what brand pump are you currently using. I have a float switch in a container to avoid clogging, but because of the narrow space in the bottom of the bilge, it never gets all the water out and I am left hand-pumping to get it dry when I leave the boat for any time. Also, while I'm asking, do you have a back-up pump? Thanks Sanders s/v Good News
If it fits...I bought a big white external one.
You can't test the one that is inside a housing unless you fill the bilge with water. The external big one you can lift it to see if it is still working. abe
You can't test the one that is inside a housing unless you fill the bilge with water. The external big one you can lift it to see if it is still working. abe
For reliability, not necessary longevity
I have been using an electronic chip activated Rule automatic pump. It turns itself on every two minutes and will run as long as the impeller senses resistance on the vanes. If the bilge is dry it will within a second turn itself off and cycle again in two minutes. This pump is not dependent on a mechanical float switch which may get fouled up or stuck. This pump also requires no clearance for the switch to operate and its continuous search for water insures your bilge level will be maintained at its lowest. I'm on my second pump as the original lasted almost five years of continuous reliable work. The drawback is that these pumps are lightweight. I use a 500 GPH which is plenty to keep the bilge dry but would not handle anything more than a drip. For that reason I also keep a secondary pump 1,500 GPH with a float activated switch at a higher level to act as an emergency back up. I have gotten used to that electrical hum every two minutes that lets me know the pump is working. These pumps are also great for those boats that have a shallow bilge and no clearance to operate the foot on a float switch.
I have been using an electronic chip activated Rule automatic pump. It turns itself on every two minutes and will run as long as the impeller senses resistance on the vanes. If the bilge is dry it will within a second turn itself off and cycle again in two minutes. This pump is not dependent on a mechanical float switch which may get fouled up or stuck. This pump also requires no clearance for the switch to operate and its continuous search for water insures your bilge level will be maintained at its lowest. I'm on my second pump as the original lasted almost five years of continuous reliable work. The drawback is that these pumps are lightweight. I use a 500 GPH which is plenty to keep the bilge dry but would not handle anything more than a drip. For that reason I also keep a secondary pump 1,500 GPH with a float activated switch at a higher level to act as an emergency back up. I have gotten used to that electrical hum every two minutes that lets me know the pump is working. These pumps are also great for those boats that have a shallow bilge and no clearance to operate the foot on a float switch.
Rule 1100 is narrow.
Sanders: We are using a Rule 1100 West Marine Model 150628. I am considering adding a larger pump on a platform about 5-6" above the existing unit (in case of emergency). Have you considered a remote pump with a strainer in the bilge. The problem on those H'37C is getting to the bottom of the bilge to do anything. It is a good place to store thing that you never want to see again. I really do not worry about mopping out the bilge. We always seem to have ice in the box and it drains in there, so keeping it "dry" is really not an option. PS: did you venture out for the Fleet Week festivities? Good show and great weather!
Sanders: We are using a Rule 1100 West Marine Model 150628. I am considering adding a larger pump on a platform about 5-6" above the existing unit (in case of emergency). Have you considered a remote pump with a strainer in the bilge. The problem on those H'37C is getting to the bottom of the bilge to do anything. It is a good place to store thing that you never want to see again. I really do not worry about mopping out the bilge. We always seem to have ice in the box and it drains in there, so keeping it "dry" is really not an option. PS: did you venture out for the Fleet Week festivities? Good show and great weather!
My .02
I really like the electronic ones. Not the ones built into the pump. The ones with a chip in them, that switch on every so often and run if they detect water, are fine as long as you are not worried about battery drain. The ones I am talking about are the electronic ones that are separate from the pump. I have had lots of float switches fail, but have never had a failure with the electronics.
I really like the electronic ones. Not the ones built into the pump. The ones with a chip in them, that switch on every so often and run if they detect water, are fine as long as you are not worried about battery drain. The ones I am talking about are the electronic ones that are separate from the pump. I have had lots of float switches fail, but have never had a failure with the electronics.
best bilge switch
After having several float switches become totally gummed up, I have now installed a water witch which has a metal probe that stick down from the electronic switch and when it becomes wet it activates the pump which is remote mounted under the vee-berth. It has worked very well and doesn't become gummed up. Pat
After having several float switches become totally gummed up, I have now installed a water witch which has a metal probe that stick down from the electronic switch and when it becomes wet it activates the pump which is remote mounted under the vee-berth. It has worked very well and doesn't become gummed up. Pat
Practical Sailor
Johnson Ultima Float Switch Practical Sailor did a review a couple years back. They have a section of their web site where you can purchase back articles. As a result of the article, I purchased the Ultima switch. In addition to my belief they are more reliable, the one I purchased was tall and thin, easy to install in the deepest part of my bilge. It has no electrical contact or moving parts to corrode, instead measures a change in the density of the air around it. You can place your two fingers on the case to test. Use a second one as a high water alarm sensor Highly recommended
Johnson Ultima Float Switch Practical Sailor did a review a couple years back. They have a section of their web site where you can purchase back articles. As a result of the article, I purchased the Ultima switch. In addition to my belief they are more reliable, the one I purchased was tall and thin, easy to install in the deepest part of my bilge. It has no electrical contact or moving parts to corrode, instead measures a change in the density of the air around it. You can place your two fingers on the case to test. Use a second one as a high water alarm sensor Highly recommended
b393capt has it right 100 percent!
If your looking for the most reliable switch - electronic is the way to go. All the mechanicals will fail at some point due to crud. The electronic sensors are completely sealed and have no mecanical contacts to fail - worth every penny. That Johnson Ultima switch is my next purchase after my Rule switch fails.
If your looking for the most reliable switch - electronic is the way to go. All the mechanicals will fail at some point due to crud. The electronic sensors are completely sealed and have no mecanical contacts to fail - worth every penny. That Johnson Ultima switch is my next purchase after my Rule switch fails.
best switch
another vote for the water witch, after messing about with float switches and having the float be caught up or down on several trips, I replaced them with the water witch. Not a single problem since.... dave
another vote for the water witch, after messing about with float switches and having the float be caught up or down on several trips, I replaced them with the water witch. Not a single problem since.... dave
Question for previous posters
Sorry to hijack this thread but some previous posters mentioned their secondary pumps. I was wondering about the discharge on the second pump. Do you run it through another hose and out another thru-hull or do you "T" it into the existing discharge hose? Tom s/v Orion's Child
Sorry to hijack this thread but some previous posters mentioned their secondary pumps. I was wondering about the discharge on the second pump. Do you run it through another hose and out another thru-hull or do you "T" it into the existing discharge hose? Tom s/v Orion's Child
tcbro,
if you tee them together, make sure that their combined output is less than the capacity of the hose and thru-hull!
if you tee them together, make sure that their combined output is less than the capacity of the hose and thru-hull!
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