Bilge Pump Float Switch...mounting question

[Trooper583]

Hey guys, quick question for all you experts out there. I have a 1995 Rinker 212 Open Bow. It has a Mayfair Marine 500 GPH bilge pump that works perfectly. I wanted to install an automatic float switch considering we will be leaving the boat in the water overnight some this summer.

I purchased a Johnson Pumps universal float switch from a local marina that was on sale.

I could post a pic but I think most of you can answer this question without it. My question is...Where do I mount that float switch? I want to make sure it is positioned correctly. The pump itself if centered in the bilge and located I would say just behind the front side of the block. Should I mount the switch forward of the pump? Also, should the float be facing aft or toward the rear? that is to say that the hinge would be pointing forward?

 

[shrew]

Re: Bilge Pump Float Switch...mounting question

Ideally a remote float switch should be higher than the pump itself. Otherwise the switch will turn on before there is water at the bilge pump and will continue running even after the pump has pumped out all the water it can. Sometimes you'll see a mounting block with 2 levels, one slight higher than the other. The bilge pump goes on teh lower level and the switch on the higher level. Of course getting a bilge pump with a built-in swtich makes things much easier.

Does the current bilge pump run off of a switch at the dash? Are you goign to rewire to run from both the dash switch and the float switch?

 

[Trooper583]

Re: Bilge Pump Float Switch...mounting question

Yes, it has a switch on the dash for manual use. While inspecting the wiring for my bilge pump yesterday, I found that there was a brown wire already ran down to the bilge that had steady 12v supplied to it. I'm guessing this is part of the factory installed harness that allows for a float switch. Also, I'm thinking I'm going to mount the float switch in front of the pump slightly. I would imagine with the natural angle the boat sits in the water plus, the added angle that would presumably be caused by taking on water, this should keep the pump from running dry.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Bilge Pump Float Switch...mounting question

Not to make you paranoid or anything but with leaving the boat on the water, don't 100% count on the float switch. After a good rain it's good to check on it or have somebody check for you. My brand new switch failed on me after it's 3rd use last year and after a single night of heavy rain my boat was 2 inches from going under at the transom. I "gently" stepped in, reached under the bilge and tapped the switch and it came right on. I hate to think what would have happened had a boat gone by leaving a big wake, it's not cheap having a sunken boat lifted back out.

 

[glengold]

Re: Bilge Pump Float Switch...mounting question

I am currently installing one on my boat as well. I purchased a Shoreline Marine float switch for 15 bucks: http://www.amazon.com/Shoreline-Marine-Bilge-Float-Switch/dp/B004LR4J78

By holding it different orientations while lifting the switch arm I have determined it should be installed perpendicular to the keel, with the arm pointing toward the pump.

If it is installed with the arm pointing towards the stern: When I tilt the switch approx. 30 degrees (as if the boat is plowing through rough seas, hardly on plane) the ball doesn't sound like it rolls all the way to engage the switch.

If it is installed with the arm pointing towards the bow: The ball doesn't sound like it rolls all the way to disengage the switch.

Horizontal I can almost tilt the switch 90 degrees and still hear the ball make the complete travel of the switch.

All of this said and I have not tested it with a test light, so take it for what it is.

 

[Trooper583]

Re: Bilge Pump Float Switch...mounting question

Well I had planned on installing mine today but its raining. I never really thought about the pitch and roll of the boat activating it pump.

 

[glengold]

Re: Bilge Pump Float Switch...mounting question

i tested it with a test light, my intuition was correct. i installed mine today and found the screw holes from a previous float switch. It is on an elevated area of the bilge, facing perpendicular to the keel. approximately 1 inch higher than the bottom of the bilge. I also had to reroute the pump hose because it was near the switch and could have easily blocked it from lifting up fully. Good Luck!

 

[Trooper583]

Re: Bilge Pump Float Switch...mounting question

I went ahead and mounted mine today like this. I'm just going to give her a test when I get a chance. The water here is typically all that rough so I'm thinking it might be ok. The float is mounted forward or above the pump as instructed and the pump should protect it from a surge or water. I'll re post after the test but I think it'll work.