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I use the Rule 500 model 25S. This is an automatic pump and doesn't need a float switch. There is no room in the 13 bilge for the float switch so this works well. When there is water in the bilge the pump senses it and pumps it out. The unit cycles on every 2.5 minutes. When it senses the water it stays on until the water is pumped out. It will check again in 2.5 minutes and do it again if necessary. I have it connected with a switch that can be on either the automatic or manual modes (or off totally). I keep my boat in the water all the time and this pump works well. I use the boat on a regular basis and have not had a problem with the battery running down.
Some people will say that a pump is not needed on a 13 and you can just leave the plug out. I was not happy with the amount of water that accumulated in the boat with the plug out. Also if you get a wave over the bow (or stern) it is much easier to pump it out rather than pulling the plug to get the water out.
playinghooky1 wrote:if you get a wave over the bow (or stern) it is much easier to pump it out rather than pulling the plug to get the water out.
True. It also helps if you have people swimming a lot and dripping every time they get back into the boat. But you don't need an electric bilge pump for either of those uses. In MA a manual bailing device is a legal requirement, so my pump is a Thirsty-Mate 124PF.
