Bilge pump

smoothsailing

smoothsailing

.
Jan 26, 2009
100
HUNTER 340 Raritan Yacht Club
My bilge pump for my 1998 Hunter 340 crapped out and I need to replace it. Any recommendations on size, model, and brand.

Wondering if the bilge type that has the auto pump switch built in vs. one with a float separate switch is better choice.

TIA

Bill
 
W

wufibugs

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Aug 16, 2009
1,000
Hunter 1986 H31 California Yacht Marina, Chula Vista, CA
Whatever you go with, I certainly would not use a mercury switch. While my mercury switch has worked as designed for years, I have always felt they allow the water level in the bilge to get too high before the pump is activated.
 
jeff356

jeff356

.
Apr 21, 2014
185
Hunter 356 Middle River, MD
Just had to replace mine lately and used the following-
Rule 1100 GPH
External Rule-A-Matic (non mercury)

I think the external switch is better and easier to diagnose and replace if needed.

Jeff
s/v LegaSea
2003 Hunter 356
 
quadrille38

quadrille38

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Apr 11, 2010
979
Hunter 38 Whitehall MI
Buy the biggest capacity you can fit in the space and that will fit your hoses. The gph ratings are for a zero head and actual capacity will be far less.
 
S

scotmcpherson

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Jun 24, 2014
74
Kayaks for now, oday coming soon 13 Waterford, CT
wufibugs said:
Whatever you go with, I certainly would not use a mercury switch. While my mercury switch has worked as designed for years, I have always felt they allow the water level in the bilge to get too high before the pump is activated.
Click to expand
Well the auto switch is a safeguard against incoming water. You _should_ check your bilge regularly and run the pump manually to keep it dry. Don't rely on the auto to keep your bilge dry, but to safeguard against an unexpected leak.

It might be wise to have two automatic bilge pumps as a redundant backup system in case one fails. They are really cheap in comparison to other things one installs on their boat.

If you have leakage issues, you should resolve that separately, and not with a bilge pump.
 
chasmoyer

chasmoyer

.
Jun 21, 2012
52
Hunter 450 Passage Channel Islands
A Rule 1500 with auto and manual switch at the elec panel works well on our Hunter 450 Passage....also keep one in the parts locker for peace of mind.
 
A

artboas

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Jun 1, 2009
1,847
Hunter 49 toronto
Absolutely best option

chasmoyer said:
A Rule 1500 with auto and manual switch at the elec panel works well on our Hunter 450 Passage....also keep one in the parts locker for peace of mind.
Click to expand
Go with the Whale IC series of bilge pumps.
They have various models, depending on the size of boat.
They have a really neat version which has a remote head, and uses the whale Gulper as the pump. It is extremely reliable, won't clog up, and has high capacity.
Yes, there are less expensive bilge pumps, but I don't like scrimping on something as essential as a bilge pump.
 
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