Bilige Pump 101

[Itmightwork]

I need the basics here. I have a 97 Searay jetboat. About 2 weeks ago, it took on water.

I found 1 of the drain plugs we're stripped out.

And, the fuse for the bilige pump was blown. I replaced the fuse. Sitting the trailer, when you hit the switch, should you hear the bilige pump kick in??

Because I hear nothing.

Or, does it only work when water start filling in.

 

[NotHerDecision]

Bilge pumps should not be fused.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

There should be a float switch in the circuit paralleled in so that it will come on automatically upon water reaching a certain level. You should be able to turn it on with the switch on the panel manually. The float switch should be wired directly to the battery or main un-switched buss. You can lift the float to see if it works automatically.
Carpe Diem

 

[Itmightwork]

Thank you. I will look into it.

When I hit the switch on the panel, I don't hear the pump making any sounds, so that why I was wondering.

Maybe, I can take to the local car wash, fill it up a few inches, and see what happens.

 

[BEH]

Bilge Pump Switch in dash will probably be 3 way.
Up - Pump on
Middle - Pump totally off, float switch deactivated
Down - Float Switch will work.

 

[Itmightwork]

That's probably what I didn't know. I bought it used. The closest thing I can find is this. And it's not much.

 

[Itmightwork]

Bilge pumps should not be fused.

It had a fuse under the dash marked " bilige pump". I replaced it. After hitting the switch, I don't hear anything. Do, that's why I was wondering if it only works when water starts rising to a certain level.

 

[Itmightwork]

Update: took it out yesterday. After replacing the 2 drain plugs. No water problems this time. Well, very little in the bottom, which I'm assuming in normal. Darn it, I didn't turn on the bilige pump switch when I was driving. Ugh. Next time.

 

[techmitch]

Bilge Pump Switch in dash will probably be 3 way.
Up - Pump on
Middle - Pump totally off, float switch deactivated
Down - Float Switch will work.

Never heard of a switch that turns the bilge pump "totally off" ?

 

[Itmightwork]

That's what I'm trying to figure out. I'm not in front of the boat right now.

If it's down, is it in a auto mode, then if you turn it on, it supposed to kick on and start sucking water out?

Confused. Lol

Wouldn't have mattered that one day when I 4 inches of water, the fuse was blown anyways, with no replacement out on the lake. Lesson learned.