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I just went out to the shop and I heard a buzzin' sound. My bilge was on but the switch wasn't. I flipped the switch on and then off and it shut down. After a minute or so it came back on. I had to charge my battery last week so I know it's been going on for a little while, didn't just start happening. I figure it's a short. Where do I start? The switch? It's a whole panel, lights, livewell, horn, and bilge all on the same deal. Think I'll have to replace the whole shootin match? Anything else it could be? Maybe the heading should have read I've got 3 or 4 quarstions..........

TF, my bilgde is wired direct to the bat. for the auto. and to the switch for manual operation. If your pump is automatic maybe the float is hung up. P.S. I am making new pics. of the robalo and I will send them soon. Take it easy.

TF, as Seafox said if its an auto bilge check the float switch, if not start with your panel switch, then check the bilge itself. Unless you have added something the odds of the wire being shorted are slim. If I were a beating man and its a an automatic bilge it will be the bilge or if its manual its the switch. Note if I were a beating man

You drive two hours in hopes of catching five fish. That my friend is gambling.

Thanks for the help fellas. It's not an automatic bilge. So I guess it's in my switch. Always something ain't it? SF, looking forward to the pics!

Not beating (betting , can't spell) or gambling, Therapy thats what I tell my wife ...Speaking of which I hope to get some Friday interested?

I could be persuaded. Lemme see if I can get everything caught up 'tween now and then.

TF, If the Trout were the only reason I fish the Gulf, I'd be pretty depressed right now. It's all the stuff that you catch trying to catch trout that I look forward to with each trip. Just like the surprise Cobia caught at Keaton last weekend. You just never know what you will catch next cast.

Oh absolutely CS. I agree. I'm just givin' Chalk a hard time. Ain't nuthin better than catching up your trout and then heading out to a little deeper water and chunking some cut bait on the bottom. I like catching those toothy critters.

TF, If you dont have one you might consider a perko switch to protect your batteries when not in use.

Is that an inline power cutoff?

Yes, you can cut batts. off completely and you can select either bat#1 or #2 or both.

I shall look into that. Thanks!

I sort of got in on this at the tail end, but just wanted to make sure my information is correct. Even though you have the dual battery switch installed and it is in the OFF position it's possible that the bilge pump is still "hot". That's the way mine was installed by the dealer.

That is the way it should be. The float switch should ALWAYS have a hot connection to the battery, regardless of a battery switch, or panel switch position. Sounds like to me you have a bad float switch that is stuck or something.

But, if it is not an automatic bilge pump, it will not have power when the selector is switched to the off position