First boat and need some advice from your bilge pump experts!

[LiquidAssets]

So I'm turning my bilge pump into an automatic for when I'm away from the marina. As per a previous iboat post, I've bought a Rule float switch and a 3 way toggle switch(on/off/auto). So I have to install this within the next couple weeks and aside from any directions that come with the materials, I have NO idea what to do. Well I mean I have a basic idea of what I have to do......

My question is, do I need any special marine gauge wire that can withstand sitting in water? What gauge should I use? And then what about fuses? Do I need to get additional fuses and what should I get?

Any help would be appreciated!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: First boat and need some advice from you bilge pump experts!

Re: First boat and need some advice from you bilge pump experts!

My question is, do I need any special marine gauge wire that can withstand sitting in water? What gauge should I use? And then what about fuses?

Ayuh,... Most pumps, 'n switches come with enough wire on 'em to keep any splices up outa the bilge water...
Regardless, I use heat sealable crimp connectors...

Most pumps, 'n switches are 16g, or possibly 14g, which is sufficient..

As for fuses,... Had to say, donno what circuits ya got to work with,...
But, with that said,...
All wiring has to be fuse protected...

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: First boat and need some advice from you bilge pump experts!

Re: First boat and need some advice from you bilge pump experts!

The float switch is wired directly to your battery's positive terminal with an in-line fuse. The float switch is, as the name implies, a switch that operates to automatically turn on your bilge pump when water is deep enough in the bilge, as the name implies, to "float" the buoyant lever arm upward. You only require a 2-way (on/off) toggle switch at the helm. While away from your boat, leave the toggle switch off. The float switch will do its job. Your pump and float switch are pre-wired and should come with complete rigging directions.

 

[LiquidAssets]

Re: First boat and need some advice from you bilge pump experts!

Re: First boat and need some advice from you bilge pump experts!

I was under the impression I needed a three-way toggle at the helm and to leave it on auto while I'm away. You're saying there's no need for that, just install the float switch and leave the toggle off when I'm not at the marina? That if the water level in the bilge is high enough will signal the pump?

 

[seaboo]

Re: First boat and need some advice from you bilge pump experts!

Re: First boat and need some advice from you bilge pump experts!

I was under the impression I needed a three-way toggle at the helm and to leave it on auto while I'm away. You're saying there's no need for that, just install the float switch and leave the toggle off when I'm not at the marina? That if the water level in the bilge is high enough will signal the pump?

Yes, IF you wire the float switch directly to the battery (that way it's a no brainer...no chance of forgetting to set the switch to auto).

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: First boat and need some advice from you bilge pump experts!

Re: First boat and need some advice from you bilge pump experts!

seaboo is correct. If you really want "automatic" operation and desire to eliminate the "oops" factor from your mental checklist, go with my suggestion.

 

[LiquidAssets]

Re: First boat and need some advice from your bilge pump experts!

Got it, thanks!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: First boat and need some advice from your bilge pump experts!