Replace Bilge Pumps - How Often?

G

gregc

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 30, 2021
Messages
78
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2738J819
Vessel Name
Hula Girl
MMSI Number
368236520
Rule of thumb for replacing the bilge pumps?

I don't have any issues currently, but I figure they have a limited lifetime due to the continuous on/off cycles of the auto pump.
 
I’m in the marine service business and am not a fan of the automatic bilge pumps. The pumps last a long time but the automatic circuit fails way too often. I use a regular float switch wherever possible, which is almost everywhere except some very small bilges on sailboats. You’ll certainly want a spare on board and might consider changing to a float switch when your current one fails. You can keep the pump if it’s good and still add a float switch to activate it.


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I have a 2018 R29 with this style bilge pump....My aft one, I have changed 3 times - so I am on the 4th. The front one is still original...but it has never been wet beyond a rinsing. It still cycles.
I am planning to add a 4 wire connector next time it goes bad. 🙂

I have several spares and I listen for it often.....

I hope that helps.

Rocky
 
We have been removing the 2 fuses that run the auto cycle function of the bilge pumps when the tug is out of the water...idk if that will help with the pumps longevity but I heard about doing that here on Tugnuts.
 
I posted this message a few weeks ago - viewtopic.php?f=5&t=22005

And after this experience, I plan on replacing them every 1-2 years.

Take note that in my case, my forward bilge pump didn't fail, but the alarm sensor/float switch combo did fail.
 
My fwd bilge pump is acting erratic on the automatic float switch. Sometimes we hear it every 3 minutes... then we don't hear it for a while. Then it'll turn itself on and run for about 30 seconds. Had me thinking we were sinking as I kept checking the bow bilge area for water and there isn't any.

Channel Surfing will have completed her fourth boating season at the end of this year. I'll be replacing all 3 bilge pumps onboard. (the aft two are working fine, so far). But 4 years is good enough life out of them for me.
 
I check the manual switches on mine as a standard must do part of my startup checklist for each trip. I have the older Johnson SPX style pump with the float sensor for both bilge pumps. Mine are a bit easier to replace since they use a cartridge. I haven't done it yet, as they are both still going. I make sure to wipe the sensors and they generally seem more reliable than the Rule pumps. That said, I may also proactively replace mine this fall during a haul out.
 
I have been replacing mine every year or less. The automatic feature on it fails, which makes me nervous. Manual mode works fine. I even replaced the aft one (only 2 on the R-23 that's controlled at the helm) with a different style of Rule RM1100B and this one the motor seized twice. Done with the Rule product and want to find something more reliable. I'm thinking about the Johnson Ultima Bilge 1250. Has anyone else have any other ideas or is this a once a year maintenance item.

Thanks
Bruce
 
My R-23 has 3. Two in the main bilge and one in the pod. I test them regularly with fresh water (usually when I clean the a/c filter and the sea water flows back into the bilge). They work fine.


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Every season I overfill the bilge with hot soapy water. This cleans the bilge, the pump and the lines. This verifies, sound and visual, that the pump is working. I have never replaced it. It certainly is a good idea to check it often. I do carrry a spare.
 
Here is my bilge update. I ended up contacting Rule for a replacement of the 2 types of failed pumps. These products have a 3 year warranty and as long as you can provide a receipt, they will ship a replacement to you in 10 days. So my plan is to sell the RM1100B (motor seized for a second time) and keep the 27SA as a spare. I took the advice of a fellow Tugnutter and installed a float switch on the aft bilge. I ended up using a failed auto cycle bilge (pumps works) and rewired it with the float switch. I will never have to worry about the auto cycle again, and when this pump fails it can be replaced with the 27DA (no auto cycle) which is an inexpensive replacement in comparison. Still deciding what to do with the forward one. Probably will install the new one when it arrives for now and eventually install a 2nd float in the future. Here are some pictures.

Thanks
Bruce

https://photos.app.goo.gl/C8S94tWC1htfmdQF9
 
Fisheries Supply had a sale on Rule pumps this week -- all three are getting replaced this weekend.
 
The Rule 27SA pumps are awful as many have pointed out mainly due to frequent failures of the auto switch. I carry a spare and check frequently by simply wait for the automatic cycle or adding water. Rewiring anything on my boat is like dissecting a hairball.
 
I also had my rule pump's automatic feature stop working and had to replace it. There's no reason the automatic sensing feature shouldn't work and be robust, other than poor engineering on Rule's part. For a critical item to have, you would think the company making them would announce improvements or something.
 
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