Bilge pump suggestion for 41’ DC

[acbs38]

Bilge pump suggestion for 41’ DC

Have a 1971 41’DC, that has its share of issues. One being not the correct bilge pumps. Previous owner installed a sump pump up in bow area. Looked at both automatic pumps and pumps with float switches online, what is correct for this boat, want to do it right

 

[Pascal]

Re: Bilge pump suggestion for 41’ DC

I ve never liked automatic pumps, never had good luck with the few I ve tried. I now have 5 rule 3700s with external switches. Ideally they should be ultra switches but at $150+ each switch you may want to settle for chicom made rules... just test them Monthly and have spares

Also carefully check the wiring that feeds the pumps as at 50 years old it probably needs refreshing. The same goes for the hoses... the old grey ribbed hoses are way too brittle by now

 

[acbs38]

Re: Bilge pump suggestion for 41’ DC

Thanks for the info!

 

[jim rosenthal]

Re: Bilge pump suggestion for 41’ DC

I have several Ultra switches- the oldest is 25 years, or something like that, and works fine. They really are better than anything else out there, but they also cost a lot more. But not if you think about how many Rule switches you will throw out while your Ultra is still working.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Re: Bilge pump suggestion for 41’ DC

Also Johnson Pump make centrifugal bilge pumps which are similar to the Rules but appear better quality.

 

[cww]

Re: Bilge pump suggestion for 41’ DC

Do not buy the typical rule float switches, I forgot how bad they suck having gone over to ultra switches on my prior boat a long time ago. They’re simpler to install, they just bolt to the side of the pump and use the same wiring as the old switch. They even come with heat shrink tubes already on the end of the wires.

I bought my 53 Hatt two months ago and have already had to replace the forward rule switch, and it didn’t look very old. I hate wasting stuff and the boat came to me with a spare switch and pump so I put another one in there, but in a few months when another one inevitably craps out, I will convert this boat to ultra switches.

The ultra switches seem expensive at first glance, but they’re really not when you consider that a typical failure mode on the rule flapper switches is getting stuck in the up position which at best trips the breaker leading to a wet bilge and at worst ruins the pump by running it dry so you have to replace a $200 pump and the switch. I am convinced the ultra switches save you money in the not-very-long-run.

 

[UNIQUE_NAME]

Re: Bilge pump suggestion for 41’ DC

Do not buy the typical rule float switches, I forgot how bad they suck having gone over to ultra switches on my prior boat a long time ago. They’re simpler to install, they just bolt to the side of the pump and use the same wiring as the old switch. They even come with heat shrink tubes already on the end of the wires.

I bought my 53 Hatt two months ago and have already had to replace the forward rule switch, and it didn’t look very old. I hate wasting stuff and the boat came to me with a spare switch and pump so I put another one in there, but in a few months when another one inevitably craps out, I will convert this boat to ultra switches.

The ultra switches seem expensive at first glance, but they’re really not when you consider that a typical failure mode on the rule flapper switches is getting stuck in the up position which at best trips the breaker leading to a wet bilge and at worst ruins the pump by running it dry so you have to replace a $200 pump and the switch. I am convinced the ultra switches save you money in the not-very-long-run.

ill 2nd, 3rd or 4th the ultra switches. aside from the frequency the typical float switches fail replacing them usually has you standing on your head to do it.

 

[Avenger]

Re: Bilge pump suggestion for 41’ DC

Well, as an alternate viewpoint, after replacing any number of Rule switches I finally tried a similar alternative which was a Johnson Pumps switch. It's been in there longer than any Rule switch I've ever owned. Just a simple steel marble instead of mercury or a microswitch and it just works.

I did get an Ultra that I have yet to install for the forward pump. So I guess when the Rule on the aft pump quits I'll be doing that and moving the JP switch to the aft pump.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Re: Bilge pump suggestion for 41’ DC

The other thing about the Ultra switches are that they are made by the man in FL, I think it is, that invented them. Also invented Tef-Gel. I believe he is a one-man company. And, if I recall right, WM tried to rip off his design a few years back. One of the reasons I avoid them, and DO spend money with him.