FAIL SAFE ? Sump pump

[xxhat]

I am thinking of installing a high capacity submersible AC sump pump on the boat in the slip.


As it will be AC based there is no need to worry about running down the batteries.


This would be for leaving the boat at the slip for a few months.


Would need to install a water switch that would activate the sump pump.


Has anyone done this ?


What do people think ?


Thanks,


jim

[a64pilot]

For a Marina queen, sure why not.
I think if it were staying in a Marina always, I’d rather have a high water alarm connected to an exterior horn to warn others so they could assist.
Nothing wrong with a pump, just I think it may be a good idea to alert the staff your taking on water and something needs to be done

[smac999]

If you have ac power. The charger will be on. The batteries do not drain. Only reason for ac pump is for a really big one.

Ac in the bilge is a bit scary.. the float would need to be dc controlling a relay

[AKA-None]

Or use a house type sump pump?

[Calif.Ted]

I've had boats in the water for decades and have found it unnecessary, unless you have a very leaky boat that requires frequent pumping out, the former Bounty comes to mind.

[anacapaisland42]

2 pumps, one mounted higher than the other, connected to separate batteries
Bill

[billknny]

Originally Posted by xxhat

I am thinking of installing a high capacity submersible AC sump pump on the boat in the slip.


As it will be AC based there is no need to worry about running down the batteries.


This would be for leaving the boat at the slip for a few months.


Would need to install a water switch that would activate the sump pump.


Has anyone done this ?


What do people think ?


Thanks,


jim

I think you are better off making sure your boat is well maintained and in good shape--but that's just me.

If you are at the dock, you'll be plugged into a battery charger, so what's the worry about the batteries running down????

[deblen]

120VAC sump pumps come with a sealed float switch.


https://www.homedepot.com/b/Plumbing...s/N-5yc1vZbqjx

[AJ_n_Audrey]

I'm planning to install a second bilge pump, with separate control and fuse, and separate float switch. I've had just enough bad experience with automatic switches that I'm doing that. The primary (automatic) is in the lowest part of the bilge, non-automatic with an Ultra Safety Switch, Inc. float switch is (will be) next. In addition, the boat came with a sump pump (really a Rule 1500 non-automatic) in the highest part of the bilge, so I'm covered no matter what. All of this is wired to the house bank, and even if I lost shore power (which we did for four days after the last hurricane) I have solar that would keep the pumps going for several days.

Not sure why AC would be needed, personally.

The only other thing that might reasonably be called for is a high-capacity "crash pump" in case of holing the hull from a collision. I would maybe take something like that on an ocean passage.

[twig]

We have a small planer pump with built in float in our home in a duct. It’s about the size of a rule bilge pump. Would work perfect for that application. Your local plumbing shop or hvac business can order one for you. If you use one buy an inline check valve or it keeps cycling as the water in hose runs back in after it shuts off.

[FionaJC]

I had a single 500GPH pump connected to a float switch for years. It used to come on and pump and I paid it no attention. Until i had a call from the harbpur office that my bow looked six inches down. I assumed that all had been well but my stern gland was leaking due to not being greased and followed by an enforced absence.



When I attended I found the lower deck awash. Full battery but jammed pump. I put in the old spare pump and went back a few days later, it had 2" of water, spare pump had failed. Went back a week later after fitting new pump and 2" of water, switch had failed. I am now fitting as reccomended by people here. Three switches, two pumps one on house, the other on starter at different levels. The third switch is to be connected to an arduino sending me weekly reports and emergency texts. Pump runs, duration and battery condition. I will be expanding it to cover fire, gas, intruder etc. Take the advice. two pumps, two switches on two supplies ansd a crash pump. We dont have shore power.

[deblen]

Originally Posted by xxhat

I am thinking of installing a high capacity submersible AC sump pump on the boat in the slip.


As it will be AC based there is no need to worry about running down the batteries.


This would be for leaving the boat at the slip for a few months.


Would need to install a water switch that would activate the sump pump.


Has anyone done this ?


What do people think ?


Thanks,


jim

Assuming : 1.You are leaving your boat "several months" at a slip-
and Assuming you can/will "plug in" to 120VAC


IMHO-a 120VAC " household" sump pump will be an ideal "first responder" to your properly installed 12VDC bilge pump(s)/with battery charger(s)/etc. as suggested by other posters.


Back up-back up.-according to your $ budget.



Keep in mind-The "slip" AC supply may fail just when your boat -for whatever reason-needs pumping. Murphy


https://www.homedepot.com/b/Plumbing...s/N-5yc1vZbqjx

[xxhat]

I have a rule battery pump and also a rule 1500 pump installed higher up attached to 2 separate batteries.


I was thinking the AC sump pump would be an emergency pump since it would have much greater capacity than battery operated pumps.


jim