Wiring an automatic bilge pump

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AndyS

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Sep 26, 2009
15
Beneteau 281 River Dunes, NC
I just got a 1996 B281 and am new to the forum. I have read about updating the bilge pump to automatic, and want to do that very soon, but am having a hard time understanding how to get the wire from the switch in the very shallow bilge up to the pump. There is not a lot of clearance along the side of the hose. But maybe it's not as hard to bring it up alongside the hose as it looks. Any specifics on the actual installation would be very helpful, including the wiring and installation of the auto/on/off switch.
ALSO, it looks like the rubber diaphragm on the forward fresh water tank is bad - I think it's supposed to allow the user to see how much water is in the tank without unscrewing the large circular opening. Can that be replaced?
Thanks!
 

DougM

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Jul 24, 2005
2,242
Beneteau 323 Manistee, MI
As I recall, the automatic bilge pump switch that I installed had a good wiring diagram packed with the switch. It was a "Rule" brand switch. I attached it to the bottom of the bilge adjacent to the sump hole with a couple of dabs of 3M 5200. Obviously, since that's the bottom of the boat, it would not have been agood idea to drill holes and bolt it down. The downside comes if the switch has to be replaced.

I'm considering changing my switch to a sensor with no moving parts. Less chance of any debris jamming the switch open or closed.


Getting the wire into the switch circuit could possibly be accomplished by running a fish tape alongside the the hose from the pump side and pulling the wire back through.

You should probably consider wiring the pump directly to one of your batteries and not through the master circuit breaker panel.
 

AndyS

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Sep 26, 2009
15
Beneteau 281 River Dunes, NC
Thanks Doug - I am going to spend some time trying to get the wire along the side of the bilge pump hose and up to the pump. Hopefully the switch I get will have some good wirig instructions.
 
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