An extra circuit...what to do?

[TimC2520]

So yesterday I spent the day replacing my aft bilge pump and float switch in
my 1999 2520 which was original. Tucked into the bundle of wires attached to the transom in the bilge are wires that are fed from my only unused rocker switch on the dash. I'm assuming these are used for a livewell option which I did not get when I bought the boat in '99. So my question is....anyone think of something functional I could use this for? I'm thinking it is there, why not use it for something practical? Ideas?

 

[warthog5]

Backup bilge pump.

It could be used for a livewell as you said or washdown pump. But I usually mount a switch under the washboard in the back for a washdown pump. This is so the crew can clean up without bothering the captain.

 

[Megabyte]

If I had an extra switched circuit, I'd use it for my bilge pump counters.
When I installed the counters, I did not realize that they constantly 'poll' the pumps.
This caused drain on the battery unnecessarily, especially during periods of good weather.

To get around this anomaly, I remove the inline fuse from the circuit during good weather.
When a nor`easter, hurricane, or extended period of bad weather is forecast, I replace the fuse and plug the battery charger into the dockside shore power, which is not normally left connected.

Having a switched circuit on the helm would make this a much easier task.
FWIW - with the improvements I've made over the years to eliminate as much rainfall intrusion into the bilge, I'm finding the bilge counters not as important as before.
During Hurricane Sandy, the counters were active and both the primary and backup bilge pumps read zero after the storm.
A nice tidbit of information to know.

As for my backup bilge pump, it is wired direct to battery #2 (the primary is wired to battery #1).
My high water alarm is wired direct as well (not switched).

So, the extra circuit could be used for a washdown pump, live well pump, deck lighting...
A good problem to have.

 

[Phil]

If you don't have an autopilot and planning to get one, I would save it for that--just in case the ap screws up (compass interferance, rudder feedback malfunction, ect.) when running you have a way to shut in off.

 

[TimC2520]

I already have a washdown as well as 2 spreader lights, 2 cockpit lights and 2 high water alarms (both forward and aft).
As far as a 2nd pump aft, honestly, I don't think my aft bilge pump has ever come on before.

When I leave the boat (after washing it) I sponge up any water in the forward bilge where it lays (maybe 3 swipes at most). Even after a havy rain it's bone dry forward and aft. I guess in a catastrophic hull breach a 2nd aft pump would be nice to have, but I was thinking more of some type of portable live well that I can remove easily.

 

[Megabyte]

I was thinking more of some type of portable live well that I can remove easily.

There is an idea.
You could wire it to a weatherproof box like Bobby did for his electric reels.
Easy plug in, and remove.

 

[TimC2520]

any photos of that?

 

[Phil]

A portable livewell with a pump mounted on the well is not practical because you need to prime the pump every time you use it and will most likely lose prime when running on plane. Plus you’ll have wires, hoses and pump hanging on the side of the livewell. A more practical way would be to install a livewell pump in the bilge with the switch then just connect the hose to the livewell. The pump and mics hardware costs less than $100. This is what I did. In the pic, one outlet is for the washdown and the other is for the livewell.

 

[Megabyte]

any photos of that?

Yes. Page 7 of his project post.
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=12419&start=150

 

[warthog5]

any photos of that?

This will make it easier.

The duplex's are for 110V, but are wired for 12V. This is for plugging elect reels into and it's the way my buddy has his, so I kept it the same. That way all the reels can be used on either boat.

That Yellow duplex was not inexpensive, but it's designed to be around water and not corrode.
http://www.globalindustrial.com/searchR ... 1&x=47&y=1

Don't forget.....put the same plug on your 12V blender for Margaritas.