Need help with bilge pump

[powerman970]

Okay guys here's the task.

I am trying to install either a float switch on my existing bilge pump or possibly just replace the pump with an automatic pump with the float built in.  I have both of these parts and after looking at the directions for installing the float I got scared off.  I am no wiring expert and I'm worried about exactly how this thing should connect.  The directions call for a toggle switch and an inline fuse but the pump is already switched at the console and fused in the fuse panel.  Pump works fine but I will be fishing this weekend where I will have to leave the boat tied to a pier and uncovered at night and we have been experiencing some torrential rains at night.  I'm not really worried that the water would be enough to sink the boat but it could possibly get high enough to damage the onboard charger and batteries.  What is my best and most user friendly option considering the fact that I can't get the dealer to do it before Thursday night when I am heading to the lake?  If it any help the boat is a brand new Stratos 176XT and I have no idea why the pump is not automatic to begin with.  How much would it have to rain before I had a problem?  Would it be okay to just tie her up and pump out the rain water in the morning before I head out?  If anyone is experienced with wiring the float switch please HELP!

[surfer]

I am not specifically familiar with wiring a float switch, but I have an assumption.  It sounds like the new boat has a working pump in it hooked up to a toggle switch at the dash.  If that is the case leave it alone.  Then wire the new pump with internal float switch directly to the battery using its ground wire and float switched positive wire.  

There will be three wires coming out of the new bilge pump.  You will need to refer to the instructions as to witch two wires are the ground and float switched positive.  The third wire would go to a toggle switch, but we are not gona go that route.  

 

Now that the pump is wired connect some hose to it and run it up and over the gunwale.  Place the pump next to the existing pump in an up right position.  Make sure it is as low in the hull as possible. Place a brick or something heavy on top of it if it doesn't want to sit right.  Poor some water in the bottom of the boat to test it.  If it doesn't work you can use the existing bilge to drain the water.

When it's time to go fishing tuck the hose below deck with the new bilge.  When you are done fishing take it to the dealer and have him properly install the float switch.

[Long Mike]

If you have a new float switch, it should have only two wires.  Your existing bilge pump will have only two wires.  One will be black and the other will be some other color - probably brown.  Cut the non-black wire in half well above any high water level. Splice one end of a float switch wire (it doesn't make any difference which one) together with the two ends you just cut.  In other words, you are cutting the wire from the pump and then splicing them back together again, but you are adding the wire from the float switch, so you now have three pieces of wire to tie together.  Take the other wire from your float switch and tie it to the positive terminal of the outboard motor battery.  Your float switch and bilge pump will now work automatically, regardless of whether or not your bilge pump switch is turned on.  BTW, make sure your float switch is well anchored to the bottom of the boat as near to the transom as possible

[powerman970]

Both are excellent suggestions.  Thanks guys.  I was thinking exactly what you suggested Long Mike but I was worried that I would cut that brown wire, splice it in and then find out that there was more to it.  I had not thought of hooking up the second pump independently but that seems like a good idea too in case one pump fails then I would have a spare.  I think I will go ahead with the switch installation now that I feel a little more confident about the end result but I am also going to take surfer's advice and install the second pump.  What could it hurt?  Thanks so much guys, I knew I could get a satisfactory answer on these boards.