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08-06-2008, 15:25
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW Florida
Boat: Bristol (Alden) 35 Sloop "Zephyr"
Posts: 508
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Which Bilge Pump Switch Do You Like ?
I have gone thru a fair number of bilge pump float switches.
The one I had the best luck with is a switch that West Marine doesn't sell anymore. Not enough mark up I guess.
It is a cylinder affair with a round float in the cylinder.
What type/brand float switches have you other sailers used for over 2 years with no problems?
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08-06-2008, 15:50
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#2
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Now on the Dark Side: Stink Potter.
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Palm Coast, Florida
Boat: Sea Hunt 234 Ultra
Posts: 3,971
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Ultra Safety Systems at Fisheries Supply Marine Supplies
I have used the Ultra Junio for 10 years, 2 installed and 1 spare onboard
__________________
Life is sexually transmitted
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08-06-2008, 16:03
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW Florida
Boat: Bristol (Alden) 35 Sloop "Zephyr"
Posts: 508
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I just searched the web. The Ultra switch is the one I have, that was sold by West.
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08-06-2008, 16:37
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#4
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Building a Bateau TW28
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Iroquois, Ontario
Boat: Bateau TW28 Long Cabin
Posts: 3,585
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Water Witch model 101. Solid state. No floats to jamb. Works exactly like it says it's supposed to. They make a host of accessories, monitors, alarms, remote panels etc. Normal retail on the 101 is $29.95. I got mine on e-Bay for $20.
__________________
Yours Aye! Rick
~^~^~^^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~~^~^~~^~^~^^~~^~^
"It's not the boat "you built" until you've sworn at it, bled on it, sweated over it, cried beside it and then threatened to haul the POS outside and burn it!"
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08-06-2008, 16:44
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Colombo
Posts: 1,059
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We don't have any powered bilge pumps but do have a "Sure Bail" bilge type float switch in our grey water sump - no problems in 12 years and are well regarded switches around here.
They are widely available and a Google will throw up plenty of suppliers.
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08-06-2008, 22:37
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#6
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Eastern Tennessee
Boat: Research vessel for a university, retired now.
Posts: 10,406
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I kind of like the pumps with no switches....the computerized pumps that run every couple minutes and if they detect no load on the pump they stop. If they detect a load they keep running. No float switches to go bad.
__________________
David
Life begins where land ends.
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30-06-2008, 14:33
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Greece
Boat: Sun Magic 44
Posts: 5
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Hello everybody
Hi this is TOM.
I do have a Jeanneau Sun Magic 44 in Greece and I mostly sail in the Aegean sea.
Most of the boat maintenance and repairs I do them by myself.
I ll be happy to provide any comment / advice!
Hi aigain 
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30-06-2008, 19:15
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,413
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My bilge is quite dry, but I have a Rule as David M notes. I see the switch light up and hear it whurr for an instant and then stop. If I have a leak situation I have several bilge pumps to handle it, manual, portable, electric etc. Seems to do what I need in the engine compartment.
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30-06-2008, 21:03
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Anacortes, WA
Boat: J/35 - No Tomorrows
Posts: 180
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Manual switch only. Works great. If there's a leak, it becomes obvious in a hurry. Hence it gets fixed. Knock on wood, the Rule pump has now lasted 16 years and running strong.
-jim lee
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06-07-2008, 10:01
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW Florida
Boat: Bristol (Alden) 35 Sloop "Zephyr"
Posts: 508
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Jin Lee,
Just curious. Do you trailer sail your boat, or live aboard, and never leave the boat unattended?
I can't imaging leaving my boat unattended for any length of time, if I didn't have a bilge pump with an auto switch, just in case. Of course I have a back pump and switch mounted a bit higher, just in case.
Am I too paranoid?
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26-03-2010, 05:15
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Usually where the boat is...
Boat: Pearson 40
Posts: 553
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These guys sell the utra switch cheaper than anyone else I could find...
www.shustercorp.com
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26-03-2010, 06:01
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South coast of England, moving around a bit.
Boat: Long range motor cruiser
Posts: 750
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I've used all sorts of bilge pump switches over the years, most of them with a limited life My present boat has the Ultra Sr switch which seems to be totally reliable.
TEF-GEL - Ultra safety systems - Home page
For what it's worth
P.
__________________
The message is the journey, we are sure the answer lies in the destination. But in reality, there is no station, no place to arrive at once and for all. The joy of life is the trip, and the station is a dream that constantly out distances us”. Robert Hastings, The Station
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26-03-2010, 06:21
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,594
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Water Witch Bilge Switch Model 101 - 230
Model 230, 5 years no problems. I gave up on float switches 5 years ago as well as the "sit in the bilge' centrifugal pumps.
__________________
Randy
Cape Dory 25D Seraph
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26-03-2010, 06:37
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,959
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I like the Rule float switches so much I buy new ones twice a year  Thanks for the tips about better switches.
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26-03-2010, 06:48
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New Paltz, NY
Boat: 1990 Ericson 32-200
Posts: 603
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Thank you immensely. I just ordered the 101-230. My primary float switch was nothing but trouble all last season. I'm looking forward to replacing it with the Water Witch as soon as it arrives.
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