Ranger 21EC - Bilge pump fixed

A

ameyer97

Member
Joined
May 31, 2020
Messages
11
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C SE
Just wanted to post in case anyone else has this problem -

Our 2009 R21EC, with only 240 hours on her, had a bilge pump that wouldn't auto-run. During heavy rains in the PNW we would find the bilge to be full beyond normal comfort levels, with the pump not running unless the switch was flipped on inside the cabin manually.

Upon further inspection the power wire running from the float switch to the battery, with the fusible link in between, was never connected. In the loom of wiring in the bilge right next to the shaft it was simply hanging loose. The wire running from the starting battery was also just hanging lose in the engine compartment, with no sign it had ever been connected.

I wired the two together and the bilge will now auto pump when the float switch recognizes water.
 
Just as a note, I have the auto side of the bilge pump connected to the house battery. It was originally connected to the starter battery, but I run across an instance (on another R21ec) where someone had tripped off power to the pier (for a few days, I guess), and with heavy rains the pump had drained the starting battery. So, when I got there, the boat had ankle deep water in the boat and the engine wouldn't start due to the battery being dead. After this experience, I made to few mods to my boat. One, I shifted the pump to the house battery. Two, I added a second pump that is powered off the AC batteries. And third, I carry a short jumper cable in case I need to start the engine off another battery. Just thought I'd share my experience. We don't have shore power where I typically keep our boat, so I felt these measures gave us added safety.
 
Glad to hear you got your pump up and running. You may want to look into purchasing a portable jump starter to keep on board just for those times when you need to jump start your engine. I have NekTeck portable charger that comes In a nice hard case, it’s easy to use, you can recharge your cell phones as well and has been a lifesaver for me.
Cheers,
Karl
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top