J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Bilge pumps

I'm trying to set up a small electric bilge pump. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I just installed an electric bilge pump. I put mine on the same line as the manual gusher pump. You will need a check valve after the pump so that it does not short cycle. This is not the greatest arrangement, but, it is the easiest. When wiring the pump it is best to go directly to battery #1 and then the breaker panel. This enables the pump to work when the battery switch is off and you are not on your boat. Be sure to remove your battery leads and test the continuity of the circuit. There should be no continuity when the pump is off or it will kill your battery. Good luck!

I installed an electric pump also. I ran the hose from the pump out of the bilge, under the port setee, and teed into the sink drain. The tee should be close to the sink to prevent water from coming in when heeled. As long as the drain in the sink is not plugged, it will work as a siphon break. I used a Rule pump and float switch. I did not install a check valve, and did not have problems with short cycling.