Re: [Paddlewise] Electrc Bilge Pumps

Lee wrote, ".....I came across an automatic bilge pump which can turn on by itself after sensing a certain 
level of water.  This sounds like the most elegant solution with no switches, wires, etc to deal with.  Anyone install something like this in their kayak?"

I looked at them, Lee, and didn't like the fact that you have to have a fair amount in the bilge to have the pump come on at all.  And most check for water only once every minute or two or three.  If it's there --- if the impeller feels resistance --- they pump until the resistance ends, and they go back to their cycle time.  But you still have to have at least a half inch of water in the bilge for that to happen.

There's another option.  Rule --- probably Rule, maybe Atwood --- makes an automatic "500" pump for (if you'll pardon the the use of the letters) PWCs which checks for water every 20 seconds or so.  It's not cheap, but it's a viable option when you'd rather not wait for the automatic function to kick in.  You can add a switch to the automatic (which the manufacturer recommends, in any event) and cycle the switch once to get an immediate test cycle, but, then, you're trying to do without the switch!  In my system (which I haven't yet installed permanently), I have a "submersible" switch, designed to operate under water, which I'm intending to mount in an unused deck fitting recess on the sheer, just aft of the cockpit, and just use the manual mode pump.  But the switch costs about $40 --- roughly half of the whole system!

Lots of choices.

Jack
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