Re: bilge pump
 

I agree with SpareParts. I now have a redundant system after a bad experience. The previous owner had screwed the depth finder into the transom and did not seal the screws in. 2 came out when I was offshore and we took on water fast.

The bilge failed, luckily we had a manual bilge onboard (another suggested accessory). After limping back to shore and fixing it, I sealed the holes and installed a second bilge on a float switch, 2 inches higher than the automatic.

Peace of mind is priceless.

Re: bilge pump
 

I agree with SpareParts. I now have a redundant system after a bad experience. The previous owner had screwed the depth finder into the transom and did not seal the screws in. 2 came out when I was offshore and we took on water fast.

The bilge failed, luckily we had a manual bilge onboard (another suggested accessory). After limping back to shore and fixing it, I sealed the holes and installed a second bilge on a float switch, 2 inches higher than the automatic.

Peace of mind is priceless.

Re: bilge pump
 

Welcome Twisted. You have no idea what a great bunch of characters are on this site. I'm pretty busy, so I don't post much, but I'm working on that and I check in often to restore a little sanity (woah, what's that say about me?)

About the pump(s) - I have two, one automatic with a manual override and one straight manual. The automatic is the solid state kind (no moving parts) and it seems to work OK.

I learned a couple of things reading this thread:

One (not suprisingly from MJ) about blocking them up - with any luck, I hope to have some fish scales to rinse off the deck, and I don't need a plugged up pump. On my '85, the deck "self bailes" by draining into the bilge, so the pump actually does the bailing.

The other is hooking them direct to different batteries.

Yes you want two batteries, battery #2 saved a day of boating when #1 decided it wasn't going to start the engine. I also like my installed smart charger - I plug it in when the boat's on the trailer and it maintains the batteries.

Absolutely take the boating course - Coast Guard Aux. or Power Squadron (call the Coast Guard or a local community college if you don't find one another way).

It's a great boat - hope you enjoy it.

Re: bilge pump
 

Welcome Twisted. You have no idea what a great bunch of characters are on this site. I'm pretty busy, so I don't post much, but I'm working on that and I check in often to restore a little sanity (woah, what's that say about me?)

About the pump(s) - I have two, one automatic with a manual override and one straight manual. The automatic is the solid state kind (no moving parts) and it seems to work OK.

I learned a couple of things reading this thread:

One (not suprisingly from MJ) about blocking them up - with any luck, I hope to have some fish scales to rinse off the deck, and I don't need a plugged up pump. On my '85, the deck "self bailes" by draining into the bilge, so the pump actually does the bailing.

The other is hooking them direct to different batteries.

Yes you want two batteries, battery #2 saved a day of boating when #1 decided it wasn't going to start the engine. I also like my installed smart charger - I plug it in when the boat's on the trailer and it maintains the batteries.

Absolutely take the boating course - Coast Guard Aux. or Power Squadron (call the Coast Guard or a local community college if you don't find one another way).

It's a great boat - hope you enjoy it.

Re: bilge pump
 

PS - About forgetting to put the plug in. I found an old wrench that fits my plug, made a wire hook and attached that and some orange flagging tape to it. I hang it on the steering wheel - even at 0400 in the morning, without any coffee, I can't miss it.

Re: bilge pump
 

PS - About forgetting to put the plug in. I found an old wrench that fits my plug, made a wire hook and attached that and some orange flagging tape to it. I hang it on the steering wheel - even at 0400 in the morning, without any coffee, I can't miss it.

Re: bilge pump
 

thanks for all the replies guys. looks like my X old man was right. no offense maco joe. in fact i like a man that likes to live dangerous. he's just gotta keep me safe,lol. i think i will go with the two pump system. my boat already has two batteries. .

i will post pictures of my boat as soon as i can. as for the pictures of me, you boys already have the good mornin section. you dont need me. thanks for all the help.

Re: bilge pump
 

thanks for all the replies guys. looks like my X old man was right. no offense maco joe. in fact i like a man that likes to live dangerous. he's just gotta keep me safe,lol. i think i will go with the two pump system. my boat already has two batteries. .

i will post pictures of my boat as soon as i can. as for the pictures of me, you boys already have the good mornin section. you dont need me. thanks for all the help.

Re: bilge pump
 

I don't know about you guys, but I'm really liking this gal. 8)

Welcome aboard TP!

By the way, I was very happy to see this thread because my single pump is old and I'm going to be replacing it before winter striper fishing kicks off. I was going to post a thread asking what kind to get and what kind of float switch is best. So, thanks for saving me the trouble.

Blue

Re: bilge pump
 

I don't know about you guys, but I'm really liking this gal. 8)

Welcome aboard TP!

By the way, I was very happy to see this thread because my single pump is old and I'm going to be replacing it before winter striper fishing kicks off. I was going to post a thread asking what kind to get and what kind of float switch is best. So, thanks for saving me the trouble.

Blue