I need some advice on a good brand for bilge pumps. I have a 1967 Boston Whaler 13 footer. I've been having troubles over the years with the cheaper bilge pumps and float switches from my local Canadian Tire so I'd like to try and find something better.
Right now I have the bilge pump and float switch as separate items but I was thinking it would be nice to find a bilge pump that had the float switch built into the pump as one unit.
A good brand for bilge pumps
Re: A good brand for bilge pumps
Rule Industries and Johnson Pumps are two who makes a decent pump.
I, personally, prefer the manual pump with separate float switch. The auto-sensing are a little too tall to fit in the bilge.
The key to trouble free operation is making the wiring connections waterproof.
500 gallon manual Rule example -
https://www.amazon.com/Rule-25D-Submersible-Gallon-Non-Automatic/dp/B000O8B7VO/ref=sr_1_1?s=boating-water-sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1472305979&sr=1-1&keywords=bilge+pump&refinements=p_89%3ARule%7CJohnson+Pumps
Johnson Pumps:
https://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Compact-Cartridge-Bilge-Pump/dp/B000KKGPPY/ref=sr_1_4?s=boating-water-sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1472306310&sr=1-4&keywords=bilge+pump&refinements=p_89%3AJohnson+Pumps
Float Switch
https://www.amazon.com/Rule-40A-Matic-Switch-Mercury/dp/B000O8DA0K/ref=pd_sim_200_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=EPTMG46GD9W5GFC7CNBE
I, personally, prefer the manual pump with separate float switch. The auto-sensing are a little too tall to fit in the bilge.
The key to trouble free operation is making the wiring connections waterproof.
500 gallon manual Rule example -
https://www.amazon.com/Rule-25D-Submersible-Gallon-Non-Automatic/dp/B000O8B7VO/ref=sr_1_1?s=boating-water-sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1472305979&sr=1-1&keywords=bilge+pump&refinements=p_89%3ARule%7CJohnson+Pumps
Johnson Pumps:
https://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Compact-Cartridge-Bilge-Pump/dp/B000KKGPPY/ref=sr_1_4?s=boating-water-sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1472306310&sr=1-4&keywords=bilge+pump&refinements=p_89%3AJohnson+Pumps
Float Switch
https://www.amazon.com/Rule-40A-Matic-Switch-Mercury/dp/B000O8DA0K/ref=pd_sim_200_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=EPTMG46GD9W5GFC7CNBE
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
Re: A good brand for bilge pumps
The Johnson pump featured in Phil's link looks a lot like the one I installed in the sump of our 1981 Sport13. It was in-stock at my local Wal-Mart for small money. It functions well and is a good fit in a small space. The cartridge feature is very handy for cleaning the pump impeller and shaft. When I removed the cartridge from mine I found thin monofilament and some fabric thread wrapped around the impeller shaft. It was easily removed.
Butch
Re: A good brand for bilge pumps
I appreciate the feedback. Thanks.
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Re: A good brand for bilge pumps
I have a 15 footer with the small sump at the transom. I'm using a Rule 800 gph pump with the Johnson Ultima electronic switch. It is very small and works great. The Ultima is thin and easy to mount. Here is the discussion. http://continuouswave.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=454
Re: A good brand for bilge pumps
I like that ultra thin electronic switch. Thanks for sharing the link for the discussion on this. I'll read it over.
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Re: A good brand for bilge pumps
Just an update- I had been screwing the pump housing/screen to the floor of the sump. That meant holes in the gelcoat that could allow leaks. I sealed them up and found out that I could just position the pump and housing in place so the wiring and sump cover held it securely. That also made it very easy to lift/twist the pump around, remove the housing, and clean the screen. The Ultima switch had to be secured with stainless screws to the side of the sump. I was forced to buy the Dremel right angle drill attachment and use a shortened drill bit to drill the pilot holes. That worked well and I sealed the screws with 3M 5200. It bothered me that the sump was slightly below the drain hole. I fiberglassed a piece of marine plywood in the sump to bring the bottom up level with the drain. Now any water that gets in over the winter can't accumulate and freeze.
Re: A good brand for bilge pumps
In my 1990 Boston Whaler boat, the original RULE brand pumps still works. This pump has been in service for 26-years. I consider that a very useful service life. I would not hesitate to purchase another RULE brand pump if a centrifugal pump with limited lift capacity is needed.
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Re: A good brand for bilge pumps
You have to love Rule pumps. On my 18 foot skiff I have had a 2000gph pump wired to a mercury float switch since 1989. I consider it a "holy cow we're sinking" pump. I have even found the float switch stuck "ON" and the pump whirring away- dry- with no damage. It still works to this day.