Automatic Bilge Pump Operation

[Kurpski]

Our 196 has the automatic bilge pump switch. When the switch is in the most upward position it allows power to the boat, when switch is in middle position it cuts off battery power and in the down position it is in the bilge position.

After reading the manual several times, it still is not clear to me. If the boat is kept in the water and I leave the switch in the bilge position, does that automatically operate the bilge pump should any water collect in the bilge area?

Or do you have to put switch in to auto bilge mode and also activate the bilge pump control on the dash?

[nms1991]

RE: Automatic Bilge Pump Operation

Just put the switch on the side pod to bilge function to operate it. What the bilge pump does is goes thru a cycle of turning it self on and checking for water in the bilge every 5 minutes or so, and pumping out the excess water in the bilge if there is some sensed in the bilge.

[nautique95]

RE: Automatic Bilge Pump Operation

What the bilge pump does is goes thru a cycle of turning it self on and checking for water in the bilge every 5 minutes or so,

nms is right, it does cycle every 5 minutes, so it my be something you don't want to leave on long term as it may run your battery down.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Automatic Bilge Pump Operation

When you put the side switch in the bilge only position, you should immediately hear the bilge pump run for a second or two, checking for water.

[BASC]

RE: Automatic Bilge Pump Operation

nms is right, it does cycle every 5 minutes, so it my be something you don't want to leave on long term as it may run your battery down

My 196 stays in the water with the pump set to auto. I normally only manage to use the boat at weekends.
The battery has always had more than enough juice to start the engine after a 5 day break.