Bilge Issue Help and Advice

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by phatdaddy

why would you not fuse anything electrical?
i had a bottom machine once i wired in without a fuse(it only draws 1-2 amps, i don't need no stinkin fuses). the power cord was wrapped around the hydraulic steering hoses. the machine shorted, the wire got red hot & melted the steering hose. we were 7 miles offshore when the smoke came bellowing out of the console.

yea , I think you need a fuse.

The problem with fusing a bilge pump is if you get anything binding the pump impeller you'll blow the fuse and then you have no pumping. This sometimes happens with a small piece of mono or braid as an example. While I agree that a fuse is necessary on any piece of electrical equipment there are two hard and fast rules you must follow for your bilge pump fuse.

1) Make it very easy to access...I'll repeat...make it VERY easy to get to..especially in an emergency.
2) Have plenty of spare fuses of the right size on hand right near the fuse holder.. 1 pkg is good, 2 pkgs is better.

Personally, I prefer a circuit breaker type of setup, but that's just me.

[smokeonthewater]

ever consider STOPPING the water from reaching the bilge???

you absolutely NEED a fuse or circuit breaker on EVERY circuit in the boat.... taking on water is bad but burning is WORSE

Don't "keep an eye on" the hose but rather replace it long before it becomes brittle.

x2 on moving batts forward.... mine (3 of them) are under a hatch in the floor in front of the console.

You might consider wiring one pump to each batt.... that way one dead batt won't sink you.... pun intended...