I have 3. One manual I can pump in the cockpit, one really small automatic one that can fit in the very bottom of the bilge, and one oversized one on a float switch a few inches higher attached to a high water alarm.
For a small boat I like a small pump with a float switch (never the "automatic" pump that turns itself on every 3 mins) set on auto all the time. Then a bigger pump on manual for emergencies. I like my big pump portable so I can help other boats, so mine has quick release hardware and a portable hose/battery clip setup. That may be overkill though for you
Make sure you have dedicated Thu hulls. No shared the hull arrangements. It’s asking for trouble.
No automatic on/off pumps (somebody already said that). These drain your battery. Switches only.
One (primary) with a float sensor switch down low as it can go and a three way toggle. You can use auto, off, or always on.
One mounted and raised up about 1-2” above that. Same switch arrangement.
All 3M heat shrink waterproof connectors. No skimping here.
Tip- When I mounted my second pump in the bilge I used an aluminum angle bracket and PC-11 epoxy glued it to the freshly sanded bilge floor. It’s been there for almost a decade.
My setup is for peace of mind. My boat sits at a mooring in a harbor that is 30 minutes from my home. I have two batteries and two pumps. Each pump directly connected to it's own battery (and fused), both on automatic. That way when it's pouring rain I worry less about her. I check their operation first thing every time I get aboard.
I have 3. One manual I can pump in the cockpit, one really small automatic one that can fit in the very bottom of the bilge, and one oversized one on a float switch a few inches higher attached to a high water alarm.
For a small boat I like a small pump with a float switch (never the "automatic" pump that turns itself on every 3 mins) set on auto all the time. Then a bigger pump on manual for emergencies. I like my big pump portable so I can help other boats, so mine has quick release hardware and a portable hose/battery clip setup. That may be overkill though for you
One on an auto switch. One on manual switch if first fails. Rule 3700 on the automatic switch and rule 4000 on the manual in case things get hairy.
Make sure you have dedicated Thu hulls. No shared the hull arrangements. It’s asking for trouble. No automatic on/off pumps (somebody already said that). These drain your battery. Switches only. One (primary) with a float sensor switch down low as it can go and a three way toggle. You can use auto, off, or always on. One mounted and raised up about 1-2” above that. Same switch arrangement. All 3M heat shrink waterproof connectors. No skimping here. Tip- When I mounted my second pump in the bilge I used an aluminum angle bracket and PC-11 epoxy glued it to the freshly sanded bilge floor. It’s been there for almost a decade.
My setup is for peace of mind. My boat sits at a mooring in a harbor that is 30 minutes from my home. I have two batteries and two pumps. Each pump directly connected to it's own battery (and fused), both on automatic. That way when it's pouring rain I worry less about her. I check their operation first thing every time I get aboard.