External float switch vs internal float for bilge pump - The Hull Truth

dwilliamsceg · 10-19-2007, 05:09 PM

When should you use a bilge pump with an external float switch vice an internal automatic bilge pump? The internals are cheaper. I need to put a new bilge pump in my 19' skiff.

D.

robalo78 · 10-19-2007, 05:52 PM

At our store in town the external set up is cheaper than the built in ones. Plus if one part fails you can replace just that one part versus the hole thing. Rule also has gone to a bilge that you can pull the cartridge out and dont have to remove the hose or lower mount.

walterg · 10-20-2007, 01:20 PM

FYI. I have a 2006 boat with 205 hours and have gone through three RULE 500 automatic bilge pumps. These pumps run approx. every two minutes for about 1-2 seconds. If they sense any resistance (water) they continue pumping. They also have a manual side activated by a switch. My problems have been with the automatic part which doesn't activate at all. I put the last one in a few weeks ago and it failed this past week. Very frustrating. The dealer replaced the first one (failed after 6 hrs) but I couldn't be bothered with them after that. As far as I'm concered these pumps are junk and my next move is to install a float switch.

solarfry · 10-20-2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

walterg - 10/20/2007 9:20 AM

FYI. I have a 2006 boat with 205 hours and have gone through three RULE 500 automatic bilge pumps. These pumps run approx. every two minutes for about 1-2 seconds. If they sense any resistance (water) they continue pumping. They also have a manual side activated by a switch. My problems have been with the automatic part which doesn't activate at all. I put the last one in a few weeks ago and it failed this past week. Very frustrating. The dealer replaced the first one (failed after 6 hrs) but I couldn't be bothered with them after that. As far as I'm concered these pumps are junk and my next move is to install a float switch.

Next time get the 800 g pump. uses same hose and pumps more water.

I have a 2000 gph rule and a 1100 gph on separate lines and float switches on a 21' boat. On a 32' i have twin 3500gph rules. on a 15' boat I have two 800 gph. If water ever comes in I want it out quick.

606zpx · 10-20-2007, 06:44 PM

Skip the float switch altogether and get an electronic switch.

Eyehooker · 10-20-2007, 07:33 PM

Had both-- like external-- Don't like auto sensing ( sp)-- dead batteries-- Just my opinion-- worked for 40 years

goinsfishin · 10-20-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Eyehooker - 10/20/2007 9:33 PM

Had both-- like external-- Don't like auto sensing ( sp)-- dead batteries-- Just my opinion-- worked for 40 years

I also prefer the external for the same reasons, also easy to test the switch and pump...just lift.
Since my bilge is bone-dry normally the auto-sensing is a waste of battery power.