So I am going to have to replace my bilge pumps along with the automatic switch. Looking for suggestions as to best setup for bilge pump/pumps. Thanks Mike
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Mike and Nikki Willis
1996 C 36 #1570 "Slip Away"
MK II - Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Fremont, Ohio
Mike,
Perhaps this will work for you:
https://www.catalina36.org/members/technical/upgrades/adding-second-bilg...
It worked very well for me for many years.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Thank you Tom. That is close to what I have now other than a working float switch and mine are both hooked into one hose to stern. They both have a backflow preventer on them also. I am thinking about still using back flow on the small pump to keep bilge as dry as possible and no backflow on the large cap pump? That way if needed the large pump is wide open and the small pump would still take care of any backwash from large pump. I am also thinking about the shorter run to just under the rail Port side for the small pump. I like the shorter run for the smaller hose and will be easier to see it run. Your thoughts?
Mike and Nikki Willis
1996 C 36 #1570 "Slip Away"
MK II - Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Fremont, Ohio
Mike,
From everything I have read, you should ditch the backflow preventers, and you should have separate hoses for each pump. "The Experts" say to have two completely independent systems. As far as the backflow from the small pump, it was only about a cup or so. Really insigficant. That's the reason for the small hose and short run to the vented loop next to the galley sink. I put this system on my C36, C400, and a buddy's C30. All have performed flawlessly. But.....your boat, your choices!!! :-)
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
I'm in the process of adding a second bilge pump and three-way switches just as Tom did. (1) What is the best route for the wiring? And, (2) what is the best route for the second bilge pump hose?
Thanks for any thoughts.
Mark
Mark and Karen Gadson
St Michaels, MD
1995 Catalina 36 Mk II (Hull 1458) - Tall Rig; Wing Keel; M35
Home Port: St Michaels, MD
Boat Name: Magnolia
Mike;
I can tell you what I think I would stay away from; and that is the Rule 2000 auto bilge pump with the internal float switch. Our boat came with one that eventually failed. We replaced it with the same model Rule 2000 with the internal float switch which proved to be a bad idea.
The Rule pumps (with the automatic float switch) cycle on and off every 2 1/2 minutes (continuously clicking on and off) and check for the presence of water. The method Rule uses is a internal circuit that, if the pump motor sees resistance to it's operation and draws current, it determines that water is present, and will start and run the pump. The problem with this method is that if there is any foreign or particle matter present in the water, the pump will see this as resistance to it's operation and continue to operate even when all the water is gone from the bilge. You'll be left with a set dead batteries and wondering why. This is exactly what happened to me. I replaced it with a Johnson 2000 GPH pump with an external float switch and works perfectly.
Just an FYI.
Bill Dolan 1990 Catalina C-36 MKI - Hull #1041 'Williwaw'
Std. Rig, Walk Through, Wing Keel
M35, Oberdorfer Conversion,
Home Waters; Charlotte Harbor & The Gulf Islands of Florida
'You are never out of work if you own a boat'
Mark,
Why not follow the routes of the original plumbing and the original wiring? They should be easy enough to trace.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Thanks, Tom. Since joining this sight I have learned that the original way is not always the best or easiest - or in this case - the path of least resistance.
Happy Holidays!
Mark and Karen Gadson
St Michaels, MD
1995 Catalina 36 Mk II (Hull 1458) - Tall Rig; Wing Keel; M35
Home Port: St Michaels, MD
Boat Name: Magnolia
Installed the Rule LP900S bilge pump with auto switch and replaced the ribbed hose to a smooth bore last fall. The pump has two settings. One that checks for the presence of water every 2.5 minutes as mentioned above, or one that turns the pump on at 1.3" or 2". Mine is set at 1.3" so it does not experence the battery draining autocycles.
Any known reliability issues with the LP900S?
Russell Green
S/V "GoodwiII" #759
1987 C36 MKI TR/WK M25XP
Moored: Deale, MD