My just acquired C36, 1994 is having bilge pump issues. The unit comes on when the float switch is raised as it should, but when the float switch is lowered slowly, the pump does not cut off and will run on indefinately even when the water level is minimal. If the float switch is raised and then abruptly dropped, the pump shuts off. Of course a slowly decreasing water level has not shut off the pump several times making me very worried that my pump will burn out when I'm not on board.
I'm replacing the float switch today on the advise of a marina neighbor cause I don't want to delay solving this issue. My question really is, wouldn't is make good sense to install a backup pump wire in parallel with the main one? Seems unreasonably risky to rely on only one pump when I leave the boat for days, even weeks at a time. Anyone else have two bilge pumps? any advise on size and installation for the second one?
I'm pretty sure I want to do this.
Thanks
Sam
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida
Sam, what I did was I installed a small solar panel above the bimini and placed a 12V battery in the area below the aft cabin. I thien placed a backup bilge pump with an automatice switch in the bilge. that way, I don't have to worry about water in my bilge. Works great!
Glenn Druhot
Carpe Diem
New Bern, NC
35* 6' 10" N / 77* 2' 30" W
2001 C36, Hull #1965
Std Rig; Wing Keel; M35B
I had same issue. I put a block under the float switch that raises it slightly and it shuts off properly now. I also put a 2nd small pump in the very back of the bilge that can pump lower than the main one and *should* start first as well.
Sam,
I also suspect your float switch was defective. Look in the Upgrades Section. I wrote an article, complete with pictures, about installing a second bilge pump.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Tom, Thanks again for the valuable help. I was too worried about the float switch to wait, and went ahead and replaced it and just tossed the old one, so I can sleep easier.
I'm going now to read your article on the redundant pump.
Thanks so much.
Sam
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida