Bilge Bile

Bardo · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007

UGH! I pulled up my bilge pump this weekend (there was not friggin wind to sail), because the auto feature of the pump does not work. It looks to me as if the float must be integral to the pump, because I see no external fitting of any sort. I saw an add on auto feature as I was skulking through the shed at my yard. Is it feasible or cost effective to add a switch externally, or should I just punt and get a new bilge pump with integral switch?

Thanks,
Freeman

Sailormann · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007

Important piece of gear - buy a new one.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007

Bardo-

Bilge pumps aren't really a place to be skimping...

Bardo · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007

I hadn't thought that the external switch would be skimping.

TrueBlue · #5 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007

Ideally, there should be two remote float switches at the primary bilge pump, one level with the pump (which could be integrated) and the other a bit higher - with an alarm signaling high water.

Boasun · #6 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007

Some bilge pumps come with a float switch and some don't.
So be sure which one you have and if it is the latter you can get a float switch and mount it properly in the bilges as per instructions...Yes read those instructions.

A plus on the separate float switch is that you can reach down and test your bilge pump on a monthly basis.

And get some of those emzymes that eats up all of the bilge bile while you are at it.

chucklesR · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007

Some boats (Gemini's) don't have or need a bilge pump. Boat comes with a 250 gph shower sump pump with a hose that you can, if needed, take to the either side and pump.
Something about half boats having tons of lead that makes them sink, I watched my slip neighbor get deeper and deeper in the water last year, only the ground and his keel kept him above water by spring.

Having said that, the plan (boats new) is to retro fit an automatic pump in both sides, dumping into the centerboard slot with single intregrated switch because my 'bilge' is actually only 4 inches or so deep.

TrueBlue · #8 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007

Quote:

Something about half boats having tons of lead that makes them sink,

Watch it buddy - this forum has you outnumbered.

chucklesR · #9 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007

Good, I'm counting on ya'll to save my a$$ when I capsize

BarryL · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007

Hello,

How was the pump supposed to work?

I have mine set up so that I can turn it on / off with a switch, AND there is a separate float switch that will turn the pump on if the water reaches a certain level.

For that set up you need to have two power lines run to the pump - a switched power line for the switch, and another power line that is always powered on for the float switch.

You can buy a float switch at any marine store.

Good luck,
Barry