Bilge pumps...........bigger is better?

mauryc · #1 04-11-2008, 02:10 PM

I've got a Rule 1500 that's making some noise - don't know why, it looks like it has never been used. Is that the same size most of you have? I might as well replace the float switch also. Stick with Rule?

Maury

jjjtronics · #2 04-11-2008, 03:05 PM

Saludos mauyc,
Rule pumps are very good & reliable, but all pumps I have seen are about as good.
You can remove the plate which covers the impeler ( bottom ) and see if it has something stuck in the impeller area. If if still sounds odd, replace it. Peel some of the wire an make sure its not corroded. Its a good idea to replace the float switch if its old, get one with a protective housing.
I prefer to have more ( smaller ) pumps, on separate wiring, than one big one.
I run one 500, and a 1500 with the float a couple of inches higher, in the aft bilge. And one 360 on the mid bilge. ( Remember the current draw ).
I mount all my pumps with a screen around ( like a spagetti draining screen ). For the 1500 I used an inverted plastic tupperware boul with many many 1/8' drilled holes, and never have to clean the pumps.
Juan

cterrebonne · #3 04-11-2008, 04:21 PM

the big rules are usually bullet proff but as for the smaller ones they are garbage especially the catridge aerator pumps they leak their a@@ off.

bradford · #4 04-11-2008, 05:41 PM

I've got a Rule 1500 on both a manual and float switch. If I kept my boat in the water, or if I regularly went offshore, I'd definantly have a back up pump. I think I read somewhere that the rule 1500 pumped the most water with the least amount of current draw. Ask MJ what he thinks about bilge pumps.

tsubaki · #5 04-11-2008, 06:14 PM

I've got an 1100 in mine, be careful not to get one too big or too small for your circumstance. Too big and it will cycle too often, too small and it will run constantly. Either way will cause premature failure.
Two 750's stacked would make the most sence if you had the room.

Skools Out · #6 04-11-2008, 06:17 PM

my 21 ft i had 2 Rule 1750 pumps in it on seperate float switches. never needed either but was there in case. heck that was a unsinkable boat to boot. and i have a 1500 rule i carry on all boats be mine or someone elses boat that has 30 ft wire and gator clips.

macojoe · #7 04-11-2008, 11:09 PM

I think pumps suck!! Always dieing,have had $5 ones and $140 dollar ones and they all die in short order!!

My V20 was not a self bailer and I never ran a pump after the 2nd year, in the 9th year I took a 10' wave and filled the boat to the gunnels, Used a 5 gal bucket and a Bike pump to clear the boat and made it home.

Sold the boat right after!! I will never own a non self bailer again!!

And I now have 2 pumps that both work, for now. We will see how long that lasts?? The boat came with them and they are both on float switches, one in the rear and one up near the front.