@help Bilge not working?

[Kevin M]

Went out on the lake and flipped the bilge switch on and noticed no red light. I checked the circuit breaker and it is ok. I don't believe it is working. Question #1: Is there a fuse somewhere? Question #2: Is it ok to boat as is? I rarely get water in the bilge and the chances of taking water overboard is rare on my lake as well? Thank you

 

[MNdrifter]

Open the engine compartment. Switch the bilge off and back on. If you can hear the bilge run for a couple seconds, then you just have a burned out bulb in the switch. Mine burns out each year. Finally replaced it with a switch that has an LED.
If you don't hear the bilge run then you need to trouble shoot the wiring. Boat at your own risk until it is fixed. Most days you will be fine. But you never know when the scupper will break or when a hose clamp will break and flood the boat.

 

[Kevin M]

Good to know, thank you for your response!

 

[Kevin M]

Pulled the bilge, spun it and now it works! Didn't see anything in it but that did the trick!! Whew!

 

[jawsf16]

Sometimes the filter baskets can get clogged. Glad it worked out.

 

[Big Shasta]

If you think about a replacement, The Rule pumps are water sensing and don't have to run to look for water. I also wired it direct so you don't have to remember the switch.

 

[2nazt]

@Kevin M just keep an eye on the pump, ,my pump was having issues two weekends ago, pulled it cleaned it and it shorted out last trip and got very hot and bulged the casing out, my wife could smell it burning. It was so hot to touch I could only tap it to feel the heat. So just keep an eye on it, the CB finally popped when I was testing at home after the fact but I had it shut off before manually on the boat. We have two bilge pumps just for this reason.

 

[ruztew]

Just curious what Rule bilge pump would you recommend to replace the Yamaha OEM one?

 

[Murf'n'surf]

You can do a 500 or 800 GPH on the stock 3/4" discharge hose. When you step up to 1000 or 1100 GPH the hose goes up to a 1 & 1/8". That would require a new hose and thru-hull.

A 19' boat with one battery would be great with a 500 or 800.

 

[2nazt]

The 500gph Rule (25S) is automatic, the next size automatic is 1100gph by Rule. If you use the 800 you need to add a float switch just FYI. And as @Murf'n'surf said you need to upgrade hoses and fittings for 1100gph.

 

[MNdrifter]

If you are going to buy a new bilge, I would just add it as a backup and leave the original in place.
I have my factory bilge plus a 500 gph mounted next to it. The factory kicks in first. The secondary only runs if the factory is dead or cant keep up. I did have to drill a hole in the boat, but it isn't that difficult. The secondary is direct wired to the battery with an inline fuse. This way even if I forget to turn on the bilge switch, I'm still protected.
As part of my prep in the spring I turn off the factory bilge and fill the hull with water until the secondary kicks in. Otherwise I would never know if it is working.

 

[0627Devildog]

But you never know when the scupper will break

Aren't the scuppers on the 2010 - current above the water line?

 

[ruztew]

Reading the description fit the Rule 25s it sounds like it operates like the OEM, turns on briefly every few minutes?

 

[2nazt]

@ruztew you are correct that is a drop in replacement for the boat with cycling every few minutes. They come with an extra line I just dead end but can be used to manually turn on if needed. But if you shut off the bilge and turn it auto checks anyways and will run

 

[Kevin M]

At home now. Was able to pull the pump and screen. Didn't see anything in it but after I reinstalled, boom....it worked again. thanks again for your replies

 

[Big Shasta]

This is the one I used. You can fill the bilge or press the button on the side to test it. I filled the bilge a few times a year to test it. Pumped a LOT more than the stock one.

I also kept a second one onboard as a spare. I had planned on putting alligator clips on it and having a length of hose with it so I could use it in an emergency. That's a decent backup plan if you don't want to plumb in a second.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O8F986/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1