Automatic vs non automatic bailer

[Jim-nashville]

My automatic Rule automatic bilge pump has stopped working automatically on my 2003 Redfisher 18. It was replaced 14 years ago when I  purchased the boat, but found out recently it works manually but not automatically.

My questions to the forum

My old pump is a Rule 1500, they do not seem to make the exact model any more so I need advice on a replacement

There is a lot of discussion about the durability of Rule pumps my old worked fine for a long time, but maybe the quality has changed. Any advise?

There is also a lot of discussion on built in vs seperate automatic switches. Again any advise would be appreciated. 

I want to thank the forum for all ot the help I have received over the years. The advice I have received has been invaluable.

Jim Michie

Miramar Beach

[SouthernWake]

I use a rule and have not had quality issues.

i prefer a Manual pump And a float switch wired in. My thoughts are one less pump component to cause it not to work.

[SCFD rtrd.]

I have two Sahara automatic bilge pumps in my boat since 2013. 7 years, no problem with either pumps.

[Bamaskeet]

Float switch’s are the Achilles heal of bilge pumps.  The bigger pumps have separate float switchs  while the smaller ones are all in one.

[whichwaysup]

Conocean, you are in the insurance biz, arent you?  Any stats on what pumps are most associated with sunk vessels?

 

(My guess is "broken ones" but maybe something less obvious. . .)

[SCFD rtrd.]

That's funny!! I have read about sunken vessels before. Most sink at the dock and the cause is faulty bilge pumps. That's why I have two independent bilge pumps in my boat. They are on separate switches, batteries, wiring and discharge hoses.