new Rule 35A float switch failure
 

A few months ago I bought this boat and noticed that the bilge pump was broken and sliding around in the bilge, so I replaced the pump and installed a separate float switch. I picked the Rule 35A switch because of brand name recognition. It has never been used in a pump-out situation because the boat is usually on a lift with a roof. But I do periodically test the switch and pump by manually lifting the switch float. The last time I did this, the pump did not run. So I removed the switch and tested it. It turned out that it is defective because, at times, the float slides to one side and disengages with the rectangular pin in the switch. It can fail to turn on the pump or fail to turn it off depending on the float's position on it's shaft and when it shifts. See my video here: https://youtu.be/2NtTKM8hc3U

I bought a similar Seaflo switch and noticed that it is almost identical. See the attached photos of both. Both are made in China, but the Rule 35A is about $30 and the Seaflo is about $15. At this point I see no reason to buy the more expensive Rule switch. I noticed that the Seaflo switch does not have the defect seen in the Rule switch. In this case, the saying "You get what you pay for." does not hold true.

Re: new Rule 35A float switch failure
 

Interesting. I saw a thread a while ago about testing your pump each season by placing a garden hose by the pump and filling it with some water. I try to do this at the start of the season to make sure the entire system is working. Glad you caught it before you really needed it.

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