Sinbad Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Just completed Sunday in the scorching sun, finishing off a load of jobs on the 'z' list - as well as fitting a bilge pump. Ive fitted a Rule pump in the stern bilge, and a 3 position switch in the cabin, but after frying my bonce I must have gone a bit soft in the sun, ended up taking the power supply from the helm panel, which is isolated by the battery master switch. I'm now thinking, that the main point of having the pump is to keep her dry when she's on the mooring, having found a few places where rainwater and seawater can get in over time... As its wired at the moment, I'd have to leave the battery isolator switch on.... and I dont normally do so for security. I also found the battery completely flat once after leaving the power on - maybe it leaks out somewhere... So, with a bit more modification, I can take a +ve supply direct from the battery to the switch and then the bilge is set to operate on Auto, whenever the switch detects some water. Is this the right way to do it ? What do most people have and why ? Grateful for some opinions... Paul F Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Sounds right to me Paul, perhaps try a cheap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinbad Posted July 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Rob I'm going with the 'live all the time' wiring scheme. My cabin is lower than the stern bilge, and inaccessible unless you remove the galley table boss. Guess what - its corroded to buggery. I'm also fed up opening the cabin door and paddling arround in water, and I cant pump the bilge by hand when I'm on the helm ! Regards Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
great white Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Paul You are right the Bilge pump switch positive should be on a permenant live run, ether direct from the battery or from the terminal on the isolator switch that is permenant live. Call me if I can help Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mw Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 paul Have you fitted a float switch if not the pump will keep pumping and run the battery down mark w Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinbad Posted July 31, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Charlie Hope you got your feet into the roll of fibreglass under your desk!! - I put it there Sunday late, but couldnt find the laminated wheelhouse cards, so perhps next time. Thanks for all your advice and materials so far and much appreciated, tested it out on Monday N, with a quick trip to the Quay, no leaks and a healthy flow from the deckwash, so I'm happy Madw - yep, I've put a water witch electronic sensor in the circuit, the helm switch is 3 position, off, auto(with the float switch) or manual (dead mans finger). I've got twin batteries, so if the worst happens, I can start using the spare. Paul F Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
great white Posted August 1, 2008 Report Share Posted August 1, 2008 Thanks Paul I have the matting Glad the bait pump is running OK and hope that you get out soon to try it out Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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