bilge pumps that suck or dont suck?

jebby

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 23, 2009
Messages
185
Looking for a new bilge pump (with a float) to wire directly off the battery (with a fuse) What brands does everyone go for? most of the reviews ive seen online are all poor. Clogging up and getting stuck on seems to be super common.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,046
Looking for a new bilge pump (with a float) to wire directly off the battery (with a fuse) What brands does everyone go for? most of the reviews ive seen online are all poor. Clogging up and getting stuck on seems to be super common.
Like everything, poor maintenance (dirty bilge) results in poor performance.

I have two Rule 1100 GPH with separate float switches on my boat.
 
Last edited:

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,604
If debris gets into any type bilge switch, you are looking for problems. I use probes for such a switch and have never ever had any issues. But float switches work equally well if the material is screened from getting to that float and sticking it in the on OR off positions. If you have a lot of debris in your water, you need to clean it regularly and it will work well. And most any type bilge pump works about the same. Rule is what I use as well. JMHO
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
27,825
I use the automatic bilge pumps that cycle every 3 minutes. If they detect water, they pump it out.

They do not have a float to get stuck and have a manual mode as well.

I have never had an issue with the battery running down. The cycle uses a very small amount of current.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
49,450
if you have debris in your bilge, you will foul the bilge pumps.

if you keep your bilge clean and tidy, you wont have problems.

I have a single 1500 GPM bilge pump with a float switch
 
Top