Bilge Pumps and Batteries?

[d_rehmann]

Question.

I have a 25' Grady White with 2 batteries.

When they are turned off (still connected) the bilge pump still runs?

Does this sound right?

[eppefour]

The bilge pump is hot wired past the shutoff to prevent the boat from sinking if water gets in while you are away. If the pumps run a lot they will drain your batteries. Good idea to have built in battery charger and shore power if the boat will sit for long periods.

[d_rehmann]

Thanks so much, thats exactly what i needed to hear.

I am just going to disconnect the batteries and pull the drain plug. It is hard to do it on our lift but that would solve the problem correct?

[Nomad]

Thanks so much, thats exactly what i needed to hear.

I am just going to disconnect the batteries and pull the drain plug. It is hard to do it on our lift but that would solve the problem correct?

Well, that's the way it should be. Not necessarily the way it is. You should check. Some new boats, from highly reputable builders, are wired to put the bilge pump through a circuit breaker.

[reelfishin]

If you have the boat on dry land and have the drain plug out you do not need to disconnect the battery. If it rains it will run out the drain before it can raise the float switch to bring on the bildge pump. But if you going to leave it out a long time then you can disconnect the batteries for peace of mind.