Automatic bilge question

down2grnd

Cadet
Joined
Nov 24, 2009
Messages
6
I have a 2005 Q4L w/ 4.3 MPI. The boat does currently have a bilge in it but it is a manual bilge operated by a switch and I would like to install the kit to turn it into a automatic bilge. Unfortunalely the bilge pump will not operate unless the master power switch is on. How difficult would it be to re-wire the current bilge switch an bypass the master switch? Has anyone have experience with this? Any input is appreciated.
 

jrampey

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 22, 2005
Messages
157
Re: Automatic bilge question

I added a float and automatic switch to my current bilge pump. I just added a hot wire to the battery, thru a fuse, thru the float switch, and spliced to the hot wire on the bilge pump. Now the pump works on auto or manually.
 

DianneB

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 8, 2010
Messages
303
Re: Automatic bilge question

I left the original cockpit-switch-controlled pump in place and added a second pump and a float switch wired directly to the battery (through a fuse). Of course it meant adding a second discharge line but now I am not worried about leaving my boat unattended in the slip for a few weeks and I have twice the pumping capacity if I ever get into trouble.
 

down2grnd

Cadet
Joined
Nov 24, 2009
Messages
6
Re: Automatic bilge question

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate the different ideas.
 
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