If the pump has an automatic feature, it will have three wires. Brown (auto positive), brown/white - manual positive and white (negative). The white needs to be connected to ground and the brown directly to the battery. The brown and white wire needs to go through a switch to the battery.

 

Some of the automatic ones have 2 wires. One style is electronic automatic, it will check for water about every 2 minutes and you can here it. The other has a built in float switch. I have one of these. Take it out of the holder and turn it upside down, this moves the float and it should turn on. While you have it out of the holder check that all wire connections are good, The strainer basket is clean and spray some cleaner on it and wipe it down. I usually spray some wd 40 on it to.

Make sure all bilge pumps work and you know how they are wired and how they work, if needed repair you dont want to be trying to figure it out then.

Good luck with new boat, go over all systems and wiring and any thru hulls and hoses, on land or at the dock. You dont want to be learning in an emergency.

John

 

Thats great advice, I will check for both of these things and I will spray it with some wd-40. Both advice is great, I will check it out hopefully Thursday when I get down there again. Thank you all again.
-Brett

 

just turn off the batteries and stick a fresh water hose in th bilge. If it covers the pump and nothing happens it's not auto. Then flip the manuel switch and pump it out. ........................... install auto pump or find problem

 

Wow that thought never even crossed my mind! Great advice. Thank you very much.