Help me choose a bilge pump please

[further]

Hey guys, So need to replace my bilge pump and not sure what I should get and how to size it properly. I could research it and figure it out I'm sure but figured easier to ask here. The failed pump is an attwood V450 and AFS 2000 float switch. Any and all advise is much appreciated

 

[riptide09]

Looks like that model is discontinued but from what I can determine it was rated at 450 gph. That means you want a 450 gph or larger pump. Most bilge pumps up to around 800 gph use a 3/4" hose. Unless you want to replace the hose with something larger and that includes the drain fitting at the hull I would get the largest capacity pump that will fit. Two years ago my 500 gph bilge died and I replaced it with an 800 gph.

Once you decide on the size you need to decide if you want a pump with a separate float switch, a pump with an integral float switch or an automatic pump that runs every 30 seconds or so and stays on if there is water to pump.

If your current switch works and is good then you might want to keep it and replace the pump. I personally don't care for the pumps that auto run.

The thing to look at is the mounting. You want to find a pump that ideally will mount in exactly the same place and use the existing mounting holes or brackets. That said I would start by looking at Attwood's current lineup and see if any will do the job.

 

[further]

Thx for the advice and input riptide!

 

[kjsAZ]

I'm a fan of the Whale SuperSub pumps. They are well build and pump out to much lower levels than the usual Rule's and others. I'd always go with a larger pump than stock as they are usually undersized. The SuperSub 1100 is a great pump for the money and has a 100gph rating yet it's relatively small.
Available as a normal pump with external switch or with integrated electronic sensor. The one with the sensor you can also add an external float and/or manual switch for added safety.

 

[airshot]

I just use an Atwood 500gpm with a built in float switch, it has a manual override switch on the dash, works great, no problems for 3 yrs. I also added a second pump as a backup...just incase....same pump...call me paranoid... one pump on each battery...to far to swim to shore.

 

[GA_Boater]

Further - I would get the largest pump with the same output size. You can never go wrong with dual pumps. I have a manual dash switch controlled pump and the second is wired directly to the battery through a float switch.

 

[further]

Thanks all. My current setup is automatic I believe with a float switch and a manual on/off at the helm. I think I'm gonna take the max it out advice and go with the biggest pump I can get and still keep the 3/4" discharge. Just have to decide whether to get one of the new ones with the float built in or a separate float switch. Any pros/cons to the all in one units?

 

[kjsAZ]

as I wrote: with the Whale SuperSub Smart 1100 you can have both as they have 3 wires. Ground, automatic power and manual power. I installed it on some boats and replaced the existing plastic 3/4" through hull fitting with an SS 1" one...... They also have a smaller 650gph model which only requires a 3/4" hose but that's to small of a pump for my taste in a 17.5ft boat. Remember, the gph values are for zero head but in the boat you have at least a foot or more.
While you are at it: check what type of discharge hose you have. If it's the usual corrugated one with plugged together pieces replace it with a smooth transparent one with fibreglass or steel spiral in it. Much better flow and you can inspect whether something got stuck in it. It also can't separate like the corrugated pieces.

 

[GA_Boater]

I prefer a separate pump and switch. A little more money up front, but seldom do both fail together. Replacing the pump or switch alone is cheaper than another all in one pump combo. That's my take.