New Bilge Pump

20dauntless · Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 1:28 am Post subject: New Bilge Pump

When we got our C-Dory in 2008 it came with two bilge pumps between the fuel tanks, an 1100 gph Attwood Sahara installed by the dealer and an 1100 gph Rule-Mate installed by the factory. I noticed today that the Attwood is dead and I need to replace it. And I've got some questions for all of you.

1. Are dual 1100 gph pumps adequate, or should the replacement pump be a higher capacity model?

2. Any brand suggestions?

3. Integrated automatic switch or separate automatic switch? If I go with a separate switch, what suggestions do you all have for the most reliable model?

Other comments and suggestions are great as well.

jennykatz · Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 9:47 am Post subject: pump

Check the wiring first and switch I replaced my Sahara 1100 to find out it was OK my wiring was broken (rusted out) I gave the older pump to a friend it works fine

C-Nile · Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 10:00 am Post subject:

In addition, I have one more thing you could look at, and this is from personal experience: check the fuse! The Rule 1100 is wired directly to the battery through a 5 AMP in-line fuse connected to the hot terminal. That fuse had corroded to a point where it would no longer allow current sufficient to operate the pump -- my voltage meter read around 4 volts instead of 12 when I tested the circuit. Assuming the Attwood is hooked up similarly, I would also look at the fuse to ensure that you are getting 12 volts through it.

westward · Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 11:11 am Post subject:

There's a marine surveyor by the name of David Pascoe who has written about small boating safety issues. His general thoughts on bilge pumps might be helpful to you at this point. Mike.