Washdown Pump Switch Failure

[cruiseoncraig]

Has anyone figured out a good permanent FIX for the washdown pump switch failure?
I have scoured the forums and it seems to be a rather common problem, but I have not found a good alternative.
What say y'all?

 

[Martin610]

The switch is in an exposed position. I use dielectric grease on the exposed parts and the fuse. Other than moving the switch to a different position I doubt there is much else that can be done. When it does fail, it's not hard to replace. May not be worth the effort to move it.

-martin610

 

[BB marine]

In the six years of boating in my C26 Cutwater I did not have an issue with the location. The reason is I had a full enclosure so the switch never was exposed to the elements unless we were on the road towing. When towing all covers were removed. The switch location is not a desirable location for two reasons. (1) it is easily hit and turned on without knowing, (2) it is exposed to the elements and is not a waterproof switch. Any electrical 12V receptacles or switches in a cockpit should be waterproof or located under some type of protection. The Cutwater cockpit has many areas this could have easily been done without any more cost to the installation. I just installed the same pump and switch in my 34 'Pilot Mainship under the deck. It is out of the way ,easy to access and has protection from rain and hull spray. When I installed the engine compartment blowers in my C26 I installed switches identical to the wash down switches. I found several areas under the deck that were accessible to operate the switches and also protected. The wire run is easy and open. If the raw water wash down switch failed I planned on removing the switch and installing a blank switch to the exciting panel leaving the plumbing in the same location and moving the switch to the same location as my blower switches.

gallery2.php?g2_itemId=51951 This is port side. The C28 has many places under the deck that the same installation could be made. Switch installation and wire routing is about an hour job.

 

[GaylesFaerie]

I replaced my 9 year old switch last year as it was getting quite corroded (but still worked). When I do encounter "salty" conditions (i.e. spray coming over the sides) I always wash down the boat with fresh water which I expect will delay or defray the corrosion issue. HTH, Gary

 

[Osprey]

On my R27 corrosion of the fuse and holder caused failure. I rewired by installing an inline fuse within the locker. This has worked fine for my tug. The switch has not been a problem.

 

[Ralf H]

Hi all,

Some of you have already touched on these but to recap, the best things to do in this situation are to keep the cockpit clean and wash down any salt water as soon as you can. Also, you can remove the panel to clean the contacts and add dielectric grease to help keep them protected from the elements. Lastly you can reapply sealant to the face plate and even the screws to make sure that water doesn't work its way behind the panel. The switch should do you well for years to come. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[Martin610]

Agree with Ralf.

If you fish the boat, there are days when the sea is rolling, the fishing furious, and the deck awash in blood. On those days I like being able to turn the switch on with my foot.

-martin610