Bilge Pump Issues

[duffyt]

Splashed my boat this weekend (2007 215cc), engine fired up on the first key turn after being stored for 6 months (life is good). Ran it for about 8 hours on the bay, no issues other than my bilge pump failing. This is the second pump in one year that died. The stock installed one died in mid summer last year, the dealer put in another one free of charge, I put in a new one this weekend. 3 in one year. I clean out screen often so pump doesn't kick on and stay on in auto mode. The wiring seems ok (high and dry away from water in bilge area), and I have a 10 amp fuse which blows every so often. Would appreciate feedback on what to look for in troubleshooting. If this one gets fried, I am going to install another model, do the wiring myself. Thanks much, and hope to hear from you soon.

Tim

[pamarine]

What is the Pump model that is currently installed?

[duffyt]

Frank,
The bilge pump is a rule mate 1100 GPH.
Tim

[pamarine]

Tim,

A couple of things. First, the fuse you are using is too large. ITT specifies a 6 amp fuse for your pump. Too large a fuse can allow surge currents to get to the pump, slowly overloading the internal circuitry and causing failure. Secondly, the Rule-Mate pumps are junk. The magnetic reed switch that controls the pump is prone to rapid failure. I have sold these pumps to customer for years (against my advice), and see probably a 75% return rate within 1 year for pump failure. Replace the pump with either a rule computerized auto pump, or my favorite, a Rule non-auto 1100GPH pump with a water-witch external sensor.

[duffyt]

Frank,

Thank you for the advice. I will switch to lower fuse, and will plan on doing some shopping for the pumps you have recommended. Won't hurt to have a back-up, as I don't think the rule mate 1100 will see me through the 2008 boating season. Thanks again...

Tim

[k9reno]

I am on my 4th rule mate 1100 pump. Mine however all died over the winter storage, because stupid me did not disconnect them and the combination of frozen pump motor and ice starting to melt around the switch fried the motors I have a picture of the first one in my photos

[duffyt]

Dick,

Thanks for the heads up. I googled Rule Mate 1100...sounds like it is a junk pump from a lot of write-ups I saw. I like your idea of disconnecting in offseason, pretty easy to do. If this one dies, I am defintely changing to a different pump (follow Frank's lead on suggested pumps). Hope all is well.

Tim

[Codfish]

I agree with Pamarine. Put a good pump in and use the Water Witch switch. I did that and it works great. Another idea is to pour a gallon or so of RV pink antifreeze into the bilge when you winterize. This keeps the pump from freezing and eliminates the melting ice problem. This worked for me last winter down to -10 degrees.

Codfish

[NJWardy]

I remove my batteries when stored for winter and bring them indoors. No worries that way.

[MolarBoater]

Note to self:

1. remove batteries this winter esp in Waverunner
2. pop out pumps esp in livewell oxygenator......waiting on a replacement as we speak/cracked used
1x to test install last summer.
3. 6 year old rule automatic bilge pump still going strong.....will leave alone