Need Bilge Pump Help!

[Billy Tillamook]

Hey there sled owners... As a new sled owner I need advice on what bilge pump to purchase. My other one burned out quickly! Do I want it mounted slightly off the bottom so it doesn't suck in sand??? Need your advice on make and style... Whats been reliable for you? Thanks,
Billy

Good pumps will pass sand.

[freespool]

I've got a 1500 gal.per hour Attwood in my 20ft Predator,seems to work very well.


salmon hugger

[Fish Hawg]

Rule 1500 gph

[hookumhi]

attwood 1500

[jet]

Get the biggest one that will fit if you fish in the Ocean and make sure it is automatic. While you are down there installing it you might want to install a second one as well.

Jet~~~

[salmurai]

Another vote for Rule and adding a second one. Also, size does matter. I don't think the sand has as much bad effect on them as the fishing line. The line wraps around the shaft and keeps it from spinning and then the burnout occurs. The top off the battery box works OK for a "temporary bilge pump replacement". I know this from experience......

[Reelentless]

Powerboat Reports reviewed bilge pumps last month.

In the 700-1250 gph, the Shurflo Piranha is best according to some people.

I dont think I can post all the results here. If you are interested, email me. twollman@comcast.net

[illbfish]

My vote is for two Rules. 15 years & never replaced one in any of my 3 boats. :grin:

[Fishybill]

Given your handle, I assume you will be visiting big blue, I suggest a two pump system with warning light. Here is how I set up my bilge...

Primary: ~500 gal/hr, wired to float switch, dash switch, and 'in use' pilot light. Launch, activate, and forget about it. The pilot light (how often and long it burns) will give you an idea of how much water you might be taking on, and verify normal operation.

Secondary: ~1500 gal/hr, wired directly to dash switch... for those 'water over the bow' or 'this bar is not nice' oopsies which sometimes occur.

Warning light: install a float switch half way or so up from your bilge bottom, and wire it to a big fat red light on your dash. If you have a blown hose or seal, a hull breach, a primary bilge pump failure, or high water in the bow for any reason, this is how you'll likely find out the fastest.

However, keep in mind that sometimes float switches stick. The one wired to the red light can create a false alarm, thereby unneccessarily increasing the prevailing pucker factor.

[Mojo]

Go with 2 and get the most capacity you can fit in your bilge. You can never have too powerful of a bilge pump.

[CAPT KUJO]

Twin Rules min 1000 each!

[Fishybill]

They speak the truth. But remember, if both pumps are wired together, your most likely mode of failure applies to both at once. IE: wire and fuse them separately.

[NorthRiverRick]

Alot of good advice given here, 2 pumps with 1 auto on seperate circuits. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[spooner]

theres nothin better or more dependible than a skared man with a 5 galan bucket :shocked: [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

[Tilla]

Two pumps min. They don't really last that long.

[Fishybill]

Thanks for the compliment. Because I fish the ocean heavily, I'm a big believer in "two of everything"...engines, fuel supplies, fuel filters, water spararators, batteries, bilge pumps, navigation systems, radios, pfds, flares, first aid kits, and crew members on board to pray if I ever screw up. :grin:

[DriftR]

Get two (2) Rule 1500 GPH pumps. Put one on a float activated switch and the other one on a single switch that is manual. Never hookup you bilge pumps to your ignition switch. Run both pumps off a spare battery or use a dual battery switch. You won't go wrong with Rule. Use a fuse in line and always, always use marine grade wiring and connectors. I use ANCOR marine wire and connectors with the heat shrink ends.