Quote:
Originally Posted by swampu
I have "bilge on" indicator lights. Before I make rough crossings I always flip the switches and check and make sure the lights come on. The lights are great, you can tell if the bilge is stuck on as well.
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I have the same indicator lights with auto/off/manual switches and I have tested the pumps several times in the last year. I test that they run and that the float switch works, I haven't tested with water since initial installation.
Aquabelle,
I regard the 2 2000 gph pumps to be emergency pumps. My boat is small and the 2 bilge areas are quite small also. The amount of flooding required to trigger the pumps is really not too much even if they are raised up. I have a dry bilge but I like that the pumps are high and dry and out of the mess that a bilge area can be prone to. My theory is that when they are really needed they will work.
As I mentioned in my original post I have an electric diaphragm pump also mounted high and dry but with pick ups in each of my 2 bilge areas. This pump is not high capacity but it is not easily clogged and it sucks up water down to 1/4" or so. I have a valve that allows me to switch between the 2 bilge areas and I can see if there is any water flowing when I turn it on as the semi clear hose runs where I can see it. It is not automatic but I check it regularly to see if there is any water. Yes I do actually look in my bilges also.