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10 meter mid cabin bilge pump float switch

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 2:05 pm
by mrrudely
I recently replaced a float switch with a rule 35a
It is sticking in the up position
I took it apart and cleaned it and it worked for a very short while
it is now sticking again
it was exposed to anti freeze (engine is being worked on) have no idea if that has anything to do with the problem
I need to replace it so the question is, does anyone have a recommendation?
I saw something call a water witch. any thoughts?
thx
rr

Re: 10 meter mid cabin bilge pump float switch

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 5:52 pm
by WayWeGo
If you want the most reliable, check out Ultra Safety Systems Pumpswitch: https://www.tefgel.com/contain.php?para ... itch_price

You'd better sit down before you look at the price!

I have one on our boat and am satisfied that it was worth it.

Re: 10 meter mid cabin bilge pump float switch

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 6:24 pm
by prowlersfish
the rule float switchs seem to be sensitive to mounting sing them for years any angle sideways they seem to stick . After using them for years I no longer a fan of rule pumps and floats . i have been using Atwood pumps with build in floats and have been very happy .



If only Lovett would start making pumps again Best ever .

Re: 10 meter mid cabin bilge pump float switch

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 10:36 pm
by RWS
i really do miss the good ole days of mercury switches.

I wonder - how much pollution goes into the water every year due to the government regulated non-mercury switches going bad and sinking boats.

All that oil, fuel and antifreeze in the water.

So thats how they protect the environment

Government efficiency at work !

RWS

Re: 10 meter mid cabin bilge pump float switch

Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2020 12:54 pm
by WayWeGo
Yes, the mercury switches were so much better, though they would sometimes fail but not nearly as often as the lousy ones we now can buy.

The reason I am OK with the expensive USS switch is that I trust it and am willing to send extra for that level of trust in something that is critical to the boat staying on the right side of the water surface. Only my primary bilge pump in the bow is on that switch, but it runs a lot and I want to be sure it works as reliably as possible.

Re: 10 meter mid cabin bilge pump float switch

Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2020 5:45 pm
by P-Dogg
WayWeGo wrote: Mon Sep 14, 2020 12:54 pm it runs a lot
I'd get on fixing the cause of that WWG!

Re: 10 meter mid cabin bilge pump float switch

Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2020 10:15 pm
by WayWeGo
P-Dogg wrote: Mon Sep 14, 2020 5:45 pm
WayWeGo wrote: Mon Sep 14, 2020 12:54 pm it runs a lot
I'd get on fixing the cause of that WWG!
Well, I wish it was that easy, but there are multiple things causing my pump to run too often.

First of all, my A/C drains run into the bilge so whenever it is humid and we are on the boat, there is extra water in the bilge. That doesn't bother me all that much because I am there to supervise.

Then there is the aging canvas cockpit cover that leaks water onto the teak cockpit floor and into the hatches that do not have any troughs to control water that gets by the lip of the hatch. Not to mention that the edges of the cockpit deck are not sealed to the sides of the boat, so any water that gets to the edge just runs over into the bilge. About the only time water goes out the scuppers is in a deluge!

One of these days I will make a new fiberglass cockpit floor with proper access hatches and all will be well. In the meantime, I am very careful about my primary bilge pump!

Re: 10 meter mid cabin bilge pump float switch

Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2020 10:32 pm
by RWS
I am all about redundancy

Over the past 19 years with this 10 meter I have upgraded the factory bilge pumps capacity.

repaired the factory hi water alarms - there are 3

added two emergency 3600 gph bilge pumps - one in the fwd compartment and one in the engine room - both have switches mounted a bit higher than the factory pumps plus these 2 are wired independently of the boats electrical system and are tied to the genny battery for total independence

Finally, I added CRASH PUMPS to both engines

My purpose in posting this is not to hijack the thread, but to share information on the value of REDUNDANCY and reliable BACKUP SYSTEMS to keep our boats healthy and afloat!

BEST !

RWS