IMO there is no such thing as a totally reliable marine bilge pump float switch but this switch is a cut above the rest. The marine environment [wet,damp,corrosive] and conditions between and during use [pounding, vibration,temperature variations etc.] pose a challenge for any mechanical device. The poor old float switch ends up living in or under filthy, oily water, with everything from leaves, sand and rusting fishhooks for companions. Add to that our tendency to set it and forget it until it fails which does not help it either.
And when it does fail the consequences are potentially serious. A swamped boat [if it fails to come on] or a dead battery [if it fails to shut off]. I like the Attwood because the float body is fully encased inside the cover, so items won't fall on the float and prevent it from moving freely. It also has a set of grills on either side to allow water to move into the float chamber but prevents larger debris like leaves and twigs from sloshing into contact with the float and interfering with its ability to turn on or off. I also like the manual switch on the side which lets you test the functioning of the switch and the bilge pump each time you use the boat.
I also like the fact that Attwood has left the mounting hole structure the same over a long period of time so that when the time does come to replace the switch you won't have to make a new mounting bracket for it. Take this switch out of the bilge as part of your winter maintenance to prevent it from becoming encased in ice which may be in the bilge over winter. Clean it at the same time. Make sure to put a quality heat shrink tube on all the electrical connections and use marine grade connectors for long trouble free life.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 6 x 6 x 2.9 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.9 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.25 x 13.75 x 7 inches |
| Item Weight | 10.7 Ounces |
| Brand Name | Attwood |
| Model Name | Attwood Boating Tools |
| Color | Unspecified |
| Material | Other |
| Suggested Users | Unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Attwood |
| Part Number | 4201-7 |
| Included Components | End Product & Information |
| Size | One Size |
| Sport Type | Boating |
