Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-23-2024, 04:15 PM   #1
Lt. JG
 
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Torquay, England
Posts: 29
Default Bilge Pump (automatic or not)

Hi Guys
On our Maxum 18, is the Bilge Pump automatic, or only operated by the 'bilge pump' switch at the helm position ?
Regards: John
__________________

High Flyer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-23-2024, 05:50 PM   #2
Moderator

 
shrew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,687
Default

It's usually both. There is usually a ground and 2 hot leads on the bilge pump. The circuit is usually wired with a dedicated hot and a hot from the switch at the helm. The dedicated hot should go to a float switch, then from the float switch to the pump. some pumps have internal float switches.

Take a look at whether there are 2 wires or 3 wires going to the existing bilge pump location.
__________________

shrew is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-23-2024, 09:08 PM   #3
Admiral
 
mmwjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Essex, Maryland
Posts: 10,613
Default

Typically the bilge pump is set up to work of both the helm switch for manual operation and a float switch for automatic operation.
__________________
1997 Silverton 362, 7.4 Crusaders
1997 2400 SCR, 5.7 Vortec / Bravo 2

Mike
mmwjr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2024, 10:51 AM   #4
Lt. JG
 
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Torquay, England
Posts: 29
Default

Hi Guys
Thank you for your responses: just as I thought - it looks like my automatic (float operated) part of the bilge pump has packed in.
Obviously the original bilge pumps are not longer available, however over here (and I've fitted a Dory with one) 1100 gal per hour automatic bilge pumps for around the $15.00 price are good replacements.
Regards: John
High Flyer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2024, 01:36 PM   #5
Admiral
 
mmwjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Essex, Maryland
Posts: 10,613
Default

I recommend the highest gph pump that will fit the hose. What the pump is rated for is not the actual performance due to resistance of the hose from bends and if corrugated.
__________________
1997 Silverton 362, 7.4 Crusaders
1997 2400 SCR, 5.7 Vortec / Bravo 2

Mike
mmwjr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-26-2024, 01:19 AM   #6
Ensign
 
Join Date: Sep 2024
Location: MA
Posts: 10
Default

You should absolutely have both auto and manual features. I am surprised at the low cost, perhaps that is just for the float switch? If the float switch has failed suggest replace the entire unit with, as mmwjr said, the higher GPH that will fit the hose. If replacing the entire unit there are several auto features you can choose from. The classic float switch but it comes with the issue of (1) needing to be correctly installed and (2) debris or improperly stored items can keep it from working (holds the float down). The others I am familiar with are: a built in sensor that detects water level and those that ‘turn on’ periodically for a second or so and determines if there is a load on the motor (if yes, it means water in the bilge and keeps on pumping until the load goes back down). Both styes have a patristic electrical draw but the claim is it’s so minimal that its not an issue. Regardless of the direction get a reputable brand, a bilge pump is not the place to save some money.
ESGWheel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-26-2024, 11:23 AM   #7
Lt. JG
 
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Torquay, England
Posts: 29
Default

I'm not sure this will work, a Bilge Pump listed on UK eBay but here goes:
eBay item number:226295059647
I've used this type previously on an open air (no cover) dory, and has always worked well, keeping spray and down pours of rain well under control ~
High Flyer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-26-2024, 04:09 PM   #8
Ensign
 
Join Date: Sep 2024
Location: MA
Posts: 10
Default

This un-branded pump and based on the pictures uses an internal float switch. It’s a three wire so has both auto and manual features you need. That it is unbranded would cause me pause. While it probably made on the same manufacturing line of whatever the branded version they are copying, my justification for sticking with a branded version is that they have a brand to protect and thus apply a quality control to their products. That you have had good success with them in the past is a good sign. For me, I would not use an unbranded bilge pump as it is a critical safety item.
__________________

ESGWheel is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT. The time now is 10:19 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.