Bilge pump installation

[first230sl]

Hi again. I am installing 5 new bildge pumps in my '71 58' YF. New pumps, switches, hoses, wiring, and through-hulls. My question is about the best method for securing the pump and switch.

I am considering using a bit of 4200 to glue the bottom of the pump strainer to the hull (after thorough cleaning). I'd do the same for the switch (4200 directly to the hull).

Does this sound reasonable? I don't really want to mount to a plate as it would raise the pump by a bit. And I know that when I need to replace the pump or the strainer it will be a pain - but it is the best I've thought of so far without relocating the pumps to locations near bulkheads or stringers, or raising the pumps higher (in which case I'd still have to glue a base down anyhow). I also really don't want to sink any screws into the hull (for obvious reasons).

Thanks!

Murray

 

[mikep996]

I used exactly your proposed method on my last boat - except I used 5200! We won't get into whether 5200 was a good idea or not. Suffice to say - they never came loose!

I didn't, and suggest you don't, glue the switches. I just attached them to the bilge pump (3 Rule 2000's and 1 Rule 3700). The pumps can be easily unsnapped from the screens at any time should they need to be replaced. If you glue the switches down they won't be easy to deal with when (not "if") they fail.

 

[first230sl]

Switch mounting

Mike - thanks so much. Can I ask you how you mounted the switches to the pumps? I am installing 5 Rule 3700's (32V). I want to install a switch with a cover.

Sounds like a good way to go - but would love to know if you found a magic way to mount the switch to the pump.

Thanks!

Murray

 

[NANPO 41]

Bilge pump switch

Murray,
Rule makes a bracket that mounts their switch to the side of the pump base. A problem that I ran into years ago when I mounted all high capacity pumps in the boat was that the lowest pump would pump out the area it was in so fast that water didn't have time to flow into that compartment and the pump fast cycled. I solved the problem by mounting one low capacity pump (500gph) at the lowest point in the hull. This pump would allow any water time to flow to that point and actually kept the bilge dryer. ( I still kept the larger pumps in case of an emergency but mounted their switches slightly higher.)
Fred

 

[PascalG]

bilge pumps

rule indeed has a little plastic bracket that snaps in the strainer to attach the switch. this way, the switch is at the righ level... I prefer open switches, easier to check. if you mount them near and facing a bulkhead the flap will be fine.

it's surprising how little space there is on the 53s for bilge pumps. msot of the bilge are covered with engines / floors and the accesible spaces already have sea cocks, strainers, transucers, main bilge pumps...

when I recently added a back up / higher level 3700, I struggled to find the right location. I ended up using a bracket around the pump body and suspending it from the fixed floor in the bilge under the genset. out of way, higher up for these ho-s....-situation...

for pump mounting, I've used various epoxy in the bilges over the years, even underwater epoxy if the bilge was wet...

pascal
miami, fl
70 53my

 

[mikep996]

switches

As mentioned, the Rule pumps come with a plastic bracket that will hold a Rule bilge pump switch. That's what I used. I also only use the open switches - I check them very frequently and the open ones are easier to check.

I have the same issue as Pascal re bilge pumps on the 53. For a fair-sized boat, it sure doesn't have a lot of bilge space for additional pumps. I hadn't thought of suspending the 3700...

 

[Jackman]

pumps

Why not use one of those computerized, switchless bilge pumps. I've had one for at least two years now without a failure. Works great.

 

[first230sl]

Mounting bilge pumps and switches

Thanks for all the info.

Regarding the electronic bilge pumps - if you are referring to the ones that cycle eveey 2.5 minutes to sense impellor load - I am glad you have had good success with them. I shyed away from them because of the small number of reviews on the west marine site were very negative (www.westmarine.com/webapp...sNum=304). I've gone and ordered the 3700 which requires a separate switch. I'll look for the bracket - thanks guys.

I also thought long and hard about the idea of two pumps in each location (a low small one and a high big one). I liked the bit of redundancy and liked the idea of keeping the switch for the big one out of the water. Alas I decided against it for the moment due to having twice the work to do, but I plan to make it one of the items on next year's to-do list.

Thanks again everyone.

Murray

 

[first230l]

URL

Sorry - the URL sucked in the paren and period inadvertantly. Try this URL.

www.westmarine.com/webapp...assNum=304

Best regards - Murray