Hey guys. In searching for the leak on my boat, I found out something that I never had a reason to see before. My bilge float to automatically turn the bilge pump on is not working. I have a Rule-a-matic right now and from what I can see they have TERRIBLE reviews. So, I’m not thinking I’m going to replace it with that name. The neck, or base of the float on mine is all bulged out underneath and the plastic is separated with some rust stains on it. I’m pretty sure it’s shot.
Does anyone have a suggestion on a brand name or type to replace this part with?
Sirecks,
I have had great luck with Sure Bail float switches. On the other hand, I have had bad experiences with the Rule switches.
Pursuitgang (RealTime)
2486 Triton w/twin Suzuki DF140s (RealTime)
1720 KeyWest 90 Johnson
Thanks. I sure don’t want to buy a Rule again. Nothing but horrible reviews.
Personally I prefer the type of pump that cycles and at specified intervals, comes on for a fraction of a second and senses the resistance of water, if the motors encounters resistance, it pumps until it’s gone.
“If a dirty bottom slows you down… imagine what it does to your boat”
I’ve got a buddy who has the same thing on his boat. He was recommending the same thing. He said that he asked the guys who were selling him this pump, “won’t it drain my battery over the winter let’s say?” The salesman pointed to one hooked up to a battery in the corner, and told him they wondered the same thing . . . . . two years ago when they hooked up that pump!! It had been going that long without draining the battery yet!! Or, so they said. I’m definitely looking into those.
I’ve had great luck with them on several boats. Hope you do as well.
“If a dirty bottom slows you down… imagine what it does to your boat”
quote:
Originally posted by Sirecks
I’ve got a buddy who has the same thing on his boat. He was recommending the same thing. He said that he asked the guys who were selling him this pump, “won’t it drain my battery over the winter let’s say?” The salesman pointed to one hooked up to a battery in the corner, and told him they wondered the same thing . . . . . two years ago when they hooked up that pump!! It had been going that long without draining the battery yet!! Or, so they said. I’m definitely looking into those.
Who charged the battery then because I have yet to see a 12V boat battery that wouldn’t just drain out on its own. I know mine do. I’ve never had an issue with the Rule on my boat but I bought the higher end model and just replace them every two years anyway.
Mark
Mako 262 Twin Yammaha F200s
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
“Or, so they said.” Like I said, they were salesman. Just thought it was a great sales pitch, true or not.
I currently have a Rule-a-matic Plus. Not sure if it’s the 40A or not without going back out to the boat. But it’s the one in the housing. That’s the one that is getting horrible reviews. What model Rule do you have?
I’ve had plenty of sure bails, surely fail. Its usually the wire that goes, not the float switch itself. They have the best warranty, but it doesn’t help if you boat is on the bottom. I’ve thrown quite a few of the “automatic” self cycling pumps in the trash. If my customer wants one of these pumps, I put it in writing that there is no warranty on the labor to replace it when it fails. I also caution them that with out an on board charger, it will drain their battery down if left unattended. I’ve installed just about every available float switch made, and just like bilge pumps, they all go to crap with in a couple of years. I’ve had the best luck with the rule 40 switch. It has the heaviest wire of any that I’ve found and seems to last longer than any other ones I’ve tried. I rarely install any pump under 800 gph and usually install 2000 gph pumps with these switches. They seem to hold up well
Thanks spareparts. I appreciate the input. I can imagine with the conditions inside the bilge nothing would last too long. This is only my third summer season with my boat. So I’m still learning a lot here. Thanks again.
replace your pump with the biggest one you can fit in place, replace the corrugated hose with smooth wall hose, and try to make the shortest route you can with it. Bilge pumps are rated at max voltage(usually 16 v) and no head pressure(no hose hooked to it, let alone going up hill). Corrugated hose supposedly cuts the flow rate in half. Make sure the wiring is up to the task, run dedicated wires to the battery for the auto function. Keep wire connections as high as you can in the bilge, nothing is water proof. As an experiment, nest time your at the ramp(and its not crowded) leave the plug out, back your boat in about halfway and see if your bilge pump an keep up with the water coming in the plug hole. i doubt it will. Don’t forget to put the plug in before you use the boat
I’ve had a rule 40 on my Seahunt since 1998 and its pobably the only thing that I or someone else has not replaced, and I check it every time I leave the landing.
You can’t catch fish on a dry line