Amel Super Maramu 2000

Automatic Bilge Pump and High Water Alarm located in forward bilge compartment in case of Bow Thruster leaks. Following the recent alarming leak from the bow thruster (1 year after being services by Amel Martinique at a cost of $2000 / 2700 Euro in Nov 2012) and after hearing several similar stories from Super Maramu owners, I decided to add an automatic bilge pump and high water alarm. I looked at battery operated high water alarm, but many reviews were negative, so decided to go with a wired one (24 Volt). I chose the: Rule Fully Automatic Bilge Pump Model 25S-24 Rule High Water Bilge Alarm Model 32ALA-24 Volt I also put a 5 Amp fuse for each device as indicated on the instructions manuals. The Rule Fully Automatic Bilge Pump Model 25S-24 will start every 2.5 minute for half second. If there is water it will pump it out, until empty. If there is no water will stop (after half second). I did some test, putting several gallon of (fresh) water into the bilge, it works well. I put the high water alarm in case the bilge pump fails. I put an Auto/Off/Manual switch on the bilge pump to be able to stop and test it. I put an on/off switch for the high water alarm, in case the alarm goes, so I can switch it off and empty the bilge. Richard mentioned I could get 24 Volt from the power panel above the door to the forward cabin and then run the wire through the drain hole in the forward hanging closet which I did. For now, I connected the water hose into the shower with a hose going through the wood cover as a temporary installation. An option is to connect it into the T on the hose going to the Bilge, but the Rule Automatic Bilge Pump instruction manual mentioned to NOT USE A CHECK VALVE. For the on/off switches for the bilge pump and high water alarm, I put them on the cover (see pictures). I made sure to use long enough wire so that I could have the panel resting on the floor. I work slowly, so it took 2 days to complete the whole work. Mistakes I made: For the bilge pump wiring, I used 14 gage wires I had; I believe they are automobile and not marine grade. I made sure to use marine grade for the high water alarm. What I could have done better: I used heat shrink connectors everywhere, except for the switches (On/Off and Auto/Off/Manual) as I run out I also could have located the "siren" of the high water alarm closer to the cockpit like in the nav station, would have required longer wire, but would be more audible. I run out of option and patience on how attached the bilge pump and high water sensor. I did not want to make holes in the hull, so just use 4000 sealant. The high water alarm float is 5 cm or 2 inch above the bottom.

Below you can see I unscreew the connector

Cover panel with 1 switch already installed by previous owner (for Furuno PG=1000)

Wiring in the hanging closet

bilge pump high water alarm

Switches and siren before labels

Hose to evacuate water from bilge pump

To the shower (this is a temporary set-up)

Or going through the wood cover so no one will fall in

Can still open for inspection

Very long wiring to allow the panel to stand on the floor

The wire are going to the left of the picture (starboard side) down to an existing hole, down to hanging closet compartment

Close up with the 4 new wires connected

I kept the same concept as Amel dud, if water comes from the mast, the curve wire will let it flow down

Most the wire folded in

Added the labels (using clear "Avery" labels)