Phil Nowack
Well-known member
What are your preferences in bilge pumps... I currently have 2- 500 GPM pumps. Both are shot. 1 is and Attwood, and 1 is a Rule.
Bilge Pumps
- Thread starter Phil Nowack
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Pete McMiller
Well-known member
You meant 500 gph not gpm, correct? I think I've had/have both brands and don't have a preference. Interested in other's opinions.
I had a Rule automatic bilge that failed me as my boat sank at my dock in a heavy storm when the bilge did not come on. No more rule pumps for me. I have an Attwood 500gph in my boat now. I also have used SeaSense and Sureflow as well. I really don't see anything in these pump designs that make me go for one over another one.
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Because they all employ a plastic impeller, attached to a metal shaft that is driven by the motor, if you don't keep debris away from jamming the impeller, they will fail.
I'd opt to go with a manual 800- 1500GPH Rule with a debris dam added on the rear margin of your work deck. SeaSense would not be my choice.
Because they all employ a plastic impeller, attached to a metal shaft that is driven by the motor, if you don't keep debris away from jamming the impeller, they will fail.
I'd opt to go with a manual 800- 1500GPH Rule with a debris dam added on the rear margin of your work deck. SeaSense would not be my choice.
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Phil Nowack
Well-known member
What is the reason that you would stay away from a SeaSense?
My bilge pumps are on a switch. One was an automatic. Is mud equally hard on the float switch as it is on the impeller? Mine lasted 10 years.
My bilge pumps are on a switch. One was an automatic. Is mud equally hard on the float switch as it is on the impeller? Mine lasted 10 years.
I had Boston Whaler install a Rule 1500GPH with a float switch that they broke during the install process in my Conquest 235. BW replaced it under warranty but, had Karen not noticed the broken piece of plastic while helping me install the batteries in the sump under the cockpit deck, I would never have known until it was needed in an emergency.
Mud/sand slurry, small grit particles, aquatic plant pieces, etc. all get pumped-out in bilge water, if you make no effort to block any of it from migrating back to the pump location.
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Mud/sand slurry, small grit particles, aquatic plant pieces, etc. all get pumped-out in bilge water, if you make no effort to block any of it from migrating back to the pump location.
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Tom Whitehurst
Active member
I?ve always had Rule pumps in my boats without issues and I?m sure Atwood is just as good. You could probably go larger (800-1100) for a small increase in price.
Capt J. Stieben
Active member
All the same, if they get junk in them they are cooked. Bigger pumps seems sometimes do absorb pumping more junk, I have screened wrapped some to keep the big stuff out of the pump but only ones that don't fail over time are the one in a very clean bilge, I replace one a year on average in our charter boats, and all brands have puked.