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General Bilge Pump system and install recommendations for Hatt 52C???

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Eddieclemons, Sep 11, 2021.

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  1. Eddieclemons

    Eddieclemons Member

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    I plan to change my engine bilges pumps and switches very soon I have several best practices questions? I will pull everything out an SP Stb Bilge.jpg d do a good cleaning and then put all new equipment in. I currently have Rule 2500's on standard float switches with no high water alarms. I was thinking new pumps and Ultra Senior switches and their High water alarms. I have a set of new Ultra Senior's on the boat with their high water alarm boxes.

    1. Which pump do you recommend for a 52C?

    2. The Old unused screws in bilge should be removed and sealed with?

    3. Current Rule 2500's are held down with screws to the bilge floor, is that how you would reinstall or install where? Ultras attach to the pump with a clamp.

    4. Replace ribbed bilge house with?

    5. Scrap all my plans and install something else?

    Thanks,
  2. Eddieclemons

    Eddieclemons Member

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    FYI, STB bilge is dirty for a loss of a turbo in early summer.
  3. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Just as dirty here as on the other forum.
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  4. leeky

    leeky Senior Member

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    Now that's a useful comment.:rolleyes:
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  5. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    On my 53 MY the first thing I did starting the repower and refit was the bilge pumps. I installed four rule 3700 with rule float switches plus an extra float switch for high water.

    I ran new wires to a pump panel at the lower helm.

    back then, 5 years ago I didn’t know about ultra switch or I would have used them. In 5 years I ve already have 3 rule switch fail...

    to make service easier I mounted the pumps and the higher water switches on brackets made of starboard. This allows me to aecure the assembly at the top to a stringer or bulkhead. No struggling to reach screws in the hull.

    I sleep well at night with 4 3700 but I m about to add a 5th one at the bow.

    for hose I ve used the somewhat rubber black / clear hoses. Ribbed outside but smooth inside. Those old grey hoses Hatteras used get very brittle with age.

    the down side of the 3700 is that they can overwhelm the sea chests Hatteras used along the hull sides. I ve added a couple of extra thru hulls for two of the pumps.

    the panels at the lower helm have a breaker, an override switch, geeen LED (pump ready) and two red LEDs for running and high water.
  6. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Some years ago when I needed to replace a float switch, an original Sure-Bail mercury pivoting float switch, I did a mini-survey of sorts here and on a couple other forums to get recommendations for switches. Ultra came first hands-down, so that's what I installed... along with their high water alarm (which will almost wake the dead). Never had an issue with the Ultra.

    That same survey indicated newer non-Mercury pivoting float switches -- any brand -- are useless.

    When we were taking possession of this one a few months ago, pumps and switches were all toast... so we replaced all... with Rule pumps and in the interest of speed, Rule pivoting float switches too. I expect the replace the Rule switches as they fail with Ultras.

    -Chris
  7. RER

    RER Senior Member

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    Yes ultra switch is best. The non mercury rule flip switch failure rate is high.

    Pascal’s idea of mounting on a removable platform is something you will be glad you put the extra effort into doing. Makes future messing with pumps a breeze.

    Replace hoses with smooth reinforced and make sure you’ve got a loop above waterline to prevent back filling.

    Also this would be the time to replace wiring with new all the way to power supply. 40 year old bilge pump wiring can be significantly degraded causing reduced voltage and burning out bilge pumps.
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  8. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    This is how I mounted them. I used 1/4 starboard which I bent after heating it. Simple but a little flexible. I’m adding a 5th one for which I ll use 2 pieces of thicker starboard screwed together at a 90 deg angle .


    B513876B-9C84-451C-93C4-336CDDF2E8DE.jpeg
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  9. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Use the same size Rule bilge pumps. Get the Ultra switch Jr and mount it to the pump with the appropriately sized hose clamp. The UL rated or Gold rule bilge pumps are better quality.
  10. mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    Zero interest to dismiss Ultra, Rule, or anything else.
    But I've yet to come across a bilge-specific switch that can hold a candle to magnetic floating switches designed for industrial applications, like the one I already mentioned in this previous post and those that followed.

    In my boat, since she was built back in 2004, only one of them (out of 15) had to be replaced, after a mechanic damaged the cable with his boot while working in the e/r.
    All others are still original, working flawlessly, and I have a funny feeling that they will last for another 17 years if not more.
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2021
  11. Eddieclemons

    Eddieclemons Member

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    Thanks for the picture.