No float switch on bilge pumps?

05-26-2002, 11:55 PM

I had to pull an engine to do some repairs and I was surprised to find out my Dominator did not have a float switch for the bilge pumps. It has a pair of Mayfair model 2250 with a 500 gph capacity but if they don't come on they are not worth much. I have been leaving my batteries on when we traveled and left the boat in the water overnite because I was not sure if they were wired hot or I needed to keep the batteries on. Without the float switch I guess that was a waste of time. Everyone may want to check with the factory and see how their boat is equipped. I purchased my boat used and that was one question I didn't think to ask. Of all the boats I have owned this is the first time I have seen a boat without a float switch. I will make sure I get that changed before I put the engine back in.

John

05-28-2002, 04:37 PM

Hi Canada Jeff,

Like You I have two pumps. I am going to add a float switch tonite and wire in both pumps. It is easy for me to do because I have an engine out. My Dominator is a '94, what year is yours?

John

Reckless32 · 05-28-2002, 04:56 PM

Not sure about the specific brands but my 2002 doesn't have a separate float for the auto. It's internal to the pump. One pump for auto and one is for manual....

Rick

tmager · 05-28-2002, 10:40 PM

I have a water witch in mine so when the water comes up the switch will make contact on both sides. I thought I would have to replace and was looking at float type switches. When catching air, will the bouncing of the boat cause this switch to keep activating when you don't need it?

tmager · 05-29-2002, 06:24 PM

I don't know, kind of like when you shut the refrigerator and guessing the light goes out.

05-31-2002, 12:34 PM

Hi Rick,

How is everything at the beach? I guess I will see you in a couple of weeks at the RBPA poker run. I have two Mayfair pumps model 2250 and I am fairly sure they are not automatic. I was thinking about replacing the front pump with an automatic pump but the two I looked at you could not wire hot because they came on every so often to make sure there is no water in the bilge. This would kill the batteries when the boat is left on the trailer for an extended period of time. I wired in a float switch in a location I can reach and check it from time to time. When it activates both pumps start pumping. See you soon.

John

Reckless32 · 06-03-2002, 11:03 AM

Hey John, I failed to get the model/make but just yesterday I again verified the floatless auto bilge. I was hosing down the interior and sure enough the forward bilge kicked on. When I engaged the manual after the auto stopped, both pumps came on. Next time I'm in there I'll take note as to which types they are...

Unfortunately i can't make the RPBA poker run, my daughter graduates from high school that day and my wifes nephew is married that night. Maybe I'll see ya next weekend at Harborfest or on the James River at either Chippokes or Jamestown beach...

Rick