Float switches

jonas grumby · Aug 11, 2008

I recently decided to test my bilge pump float switch. I opened the access hatch and added water via garden hose. I walked back to my barn and expected to see a stream of water from the discharge hawse upon returning. Nope. The switch was stuck. I freed it up and she pumped out. I have never seen a post concerning float switches stickingbut I'm sure there have been postings. One of my buddies says one of the first things he did on his boat was take float switch out of commision because it could inadvertantly operate the pump and therefore discharge his batteries. I cut the battery switch at the end of every trip so this wouldn't happen. Just a reminder, do not always count on your float switches to keep your bilges dry, give a visual inspection periodically while underway or just bump the manual switch!

DaleH · Aug 11, 2008

FWIW I cut-out all of my float switches and replaced them with the fully electroninc 'water sensing' switch type that automatically senses when the 2 sensors are immersed in water. FWIW Johnson now makes a line of such pumps up to 1100gph which are SLICK! They also sell replacement 'field effect' water sensing switches to tie into any existing pump.

And to give you a good idea of their reliabilty, my brother had a Johnson combo livewell/washdown pump last 14 years in his Grady-White, until the pressure switch finally failed. And he used both sides all the time! At that time. replacement pressure switches could be had for $35. In today's world, you'd need to replace the pump.

All of my auto and manual pumps are now Johnson brand and all of the auto ones are auto-sensing ... NO MOVING parts

! Through the years I have had Rule and Attwood pumps die ... and have yet to replace a Johnson brand pump and I have installed about 8 Johnson pumps in various boats (3 in my Pahka alone), some for others' boats, over the past 5-years.

You can review their Ulitma pumps here.

Megabyte · Aug 11, 2008

If you want to move away from float switches, consider a Water Witch model 101 electronic switch. No moving parts.
http://www.waterwitch.info/products/bilgeswitch.html

jonas grumby · Aug 13, 2008

Thanks for the resposes guys. Looks like I have an upcoming project!

gw204 · Aug 13, 2008

I have two of the Sure Bail float switches in my '93 Grady. The aft one is original to the boat and the forward was replaced in '05.

That's not bad service from an $18 switch....