Bilge Pump Replacement Dilema - 2001 22 Cruiser

[Pearl]

I am working on my father-in-law's recently purchased 2001 22 cruiser. I have tested the Rule 1100 Platinum bilge pump and it does not pump water automatically. I would like to know what is the best replacement bilge pump? Thank you

[BrentB]

Is there power at the pump?

I used Rule and Johnson

[thataway]

I believe that the 'Platinum" series are discontinued. The automatic 1100 Rule, uses a water sensing technology, rather than a float switch. This tends to give a fairly high "parasitic" drain on the battery. It is not unusual for that switch to fail.

The auto or float switch is the weakest link in any automatic bilge pump.

There are a number of after market bilge pump switches. Water Witch, Johnson Pump Ultima, Ultra Safety systems and Sure Ball. All of these have good reviews.

Here is a Practical Sailer article on bilge pumps.

Here is another one which goes more into the switches.

I have two bilge pumps, in the cockpit area--one is the standard auto type, and the second has an alarm, along with a higher capacity--it is mounted 4" higher up in the boat.

The float switches tend to jam, or break down. But on many occasions the loss of function, is due to corroded leads to the pump. Be sure and use proper marine crimps, using a ratcheting crimper, and the fitting has adhesive shrink wrap as part of the insulation. I also put a second piece of adhesive shrink wrap over the connection (butt connection, from 12 V positive, and ground (12 volt neg.). The ground is often overlooked, but it is just as important as the positive lead.

[Micahbigsur@msn.com]

I am using a Water Witch on one of my Rules, so far it is great, not mechanically switched, since they outlawed mercury switches the mechanical switches have been less reliable and they can be fouled by debris. I do have one on my forward pump that is easy to check. I subscribe to Practical Sailor Mag. no advertising and they have great testing articles, worth the money for all the good info, a lot of it relevant to our boats.
Hope this helps.

[Pearl]

[thataway]

[BrentB]

this might be the manual or close to it

https://www.xylem.com/siteassets/brand-specific-content-including-catalog/jabsco/fully-automatic-bilge-pump---technical-data-sheet---multilingual.pdf

I would check the wiring esp if a switch has be installed

[Pearl]

The switch is the factory bilge pump switch and I will definitely check the wiring. There was 3" of water in the bilge when the pump would only run for a second at a time, if that makes a difference.

I recently sold my Ranger Tug 21-EC and am in love with my father-in-laws 22 cruiser. Looks like I am hooked on the C-Dory line of boats.

[Micahbigsur@msn.com]

We just sold our Ranger Tug R25 SC and bought our new to us CD25, lighter, simpler with less maintenance.
We have had a lot fun working on it to get it dialed into cruising shape.
Great to see you enjoying the C-Dory's.

[R407c]

Pearl,
A plugged discharge hose can also cause this rule pump to only activate for a few seconds and then stop as the pump motor dose not see the amp load when the water is just spinning in the impeller vs being pumped through it. I would disconnect hose from pump and blow through it to make sure it is not plugged. Spiders and bees have a habit of building nests in the line and plugging them.
Mike

[Pearl]

Mike,
I did check the hose for blockage and the hose was clear of debris. I did order a new Rule 27SA Automatic bilge pump. I now will use some de-bonder spray to free up the strainer. Thanks
Eric

[BrentB]

I would replace it, too. If wiring and connections are good, a new one would go in and checked often after install