I'm redoing both my manual emergency pump and an onboard electric pump with a float switch. I replaced and old WC original piston bilge pump with a Whale Titan bilge pump. I was able to reuse the old WC hole in the bridgedeck with a little work and now have a good place to pump from helm or companionway. The old bronze plate fits flush in the ring to cover the pump until you need it.

I have a Rule 2000 on a float switch. My old boats cockpit takes quite a bit of rain below runs when I'm not there.

I have the Rule removed and thinking about how to replace it. I use a bronze check valve with the rule pump to keep it from cycling. The switch can trigger on one tack occasionally, I want to reset it.

As I relocate and plumb the two pumps, I'm wondering should I raise the Rule and switch (they're on a metal base and attachment bar) above the strum box for the larger Whale pump? I notice the Rule base plate vents were nearly clogged sitting on the bottom of the bilge. Not an easy pump to remove to clean.

I'm thinking I will use the whale for regular bilge clearing to keep it tested and working with the Rule and float switch raised above it, in clearer bilge water, more for the rare time it comes on when I may not be onboard.

The Rule can be annoying running to clear a couple inches or when the boat rocks at night. I'm hoping the whales lower strum box and check valve will keep the bilge even drier.

What do others do locating bilge pumps?