Bilge Pump

[fm0531]

Hi
Does anyone know if the 1995 sportster came with an automatic bilge? Mine only works manually with the switch...I was going to buy and aftermarket float switch, seems easier to install than buy a new one with a built in one...Thanks

 

[Phildoo]

Auto bilges are only 20$. You have to wire it the the power switch so it has full time power.

 

[fm0531]

Hey..
Thanks for the reply..It wasn't the money, just seems to be more work involved to change the existing one than to add a switch. (plumbing wise, not electrical) Do you know if the original WAS an automatic??

 

[Phildoo]

Hmm. Not sure. I guess it depends on model of boat and bilge. Mine isn't set up for auto either, but I never leave mine in the water overnight so no worries about it.
Auto has it's pluses and negatives.

 

[fm0531]

Yup...I know...Battery drain.... Thanks so much
BTW...do you know if there is a cover just for the "cabin" ...ie with snaps...I leave it in the water, so I would like to keep it covered for water and sun fading...the regular cover for the winter is tough to put on in the water....Notice I am getting lazy...

 

[Phildoo]

We have different boats. That I do not know. Sorry.

 

[RFoster130]

Hmm. Not sure. I guess it depends on model of boat and bilge. Mine isn't set up for auto either, but I never leave mine in the water overnight so no worries about it.
Auto has it's pluses and negatives.

I always thought it was odd they dont have an auto feature. I found out the hard way when i left it in water overnight to find a lot of water in it the next morning. I rewired it and now it is all good.

 

[ialonso]

I added a small piezo buzzer and a light on the dash, in addition to the automatic float.

(I also added another pump, 1250 Attwood) When my exhaust developed a hole while underway, and the back started filling up with water, the light and buzzer came on, and I knew something wasn't right. The Pump was on for about 10 seconds, and then went off, so I knew it was keeping up with the flow, so I floored it to the ramp before checking it out (Not sure how wise this was)

I was sure happy I had added pump capacity and the warnings to be informed of what's going on.

The smaller your bilge, the FASTER you will sink with a similar diameter hole, all else being equal...small bilge = BIG pumping needs. Auto VERY important in my book too.

 

[JLO73]

How are you attaching the auto float to the hull? I want to get one to attach to my non-auto pump but don't want any screws going thru my hull.

 

[ialonso]

How are you attaching the auto float to the hull? I want to get one to attach to my non-auto pump but don't want any screws going thru my hull.

I purchased a long thin piece of aluminum ($5-10 at the hardware store), and bent it, so it looks like a very short "C",Then I bolted the switch to the top of the C, and used epoxy to attach the bottom to the hull at the spot I wanted it.

/-------Float Switch bolted here----
|
\___Aluminum_"C"_________________
*******epoxy***********
-----------hull------------------

So, the drawing is not impressive, hopefully it illustrates the point.