Bilge pump/auto bilge operation questions

[23PumaSTS]

new 23 puma STS. I can’t figure out how the auto bilge system works…..or if I have an issue with my system.
Does the auto bilge kick on when the whole system is off (main switch at the console off)?

I turned off the main switch and flooded the bilge. I observed the float lift up (completely submerged) and nothing happened. I then went to the dash panel and turned on the auto bilge button….and the bilge pump(s?) turned on and drained the bilge….but did not shut off. The little red light on the panel was lit as “auto.”

perhaps I just need an education on the system, but something seems out of whack.

thanks for any input.

[SLumpp]

per my Boat, a 2017 Cougar AE.  The bilge pump works separate from the master on/off switch.  In other words, even if you have the master switch off, as long as you have selected either the manual or automatic bilge pump option (and that light is lit) then the pump works.  You have to select if you want the pump on manually or in auto mode.  If that light is not lit, then your pump is not activated.  And if you are shutting off all power via some kind of breaker at the battery then you will not have any bilge pump with that breaker shut off unless the wiring for the bilge is wired in before the breaker.  Hope this helps.

[23PumaSTS]

SLummp…..very helpful. I also found a video on line that said the same. Just got back from vacation where I left the boat on the water for 5 nights. We had rain and I was nervous about getting too much water in the boat as it was close to the end of the overhang. So, I should turn main switch off and put bilge button to auto and leave it during times of rain, etc. This should not drain much battery, as it’s really just the little light that is on continuously?

 

thanks.

[SLumpp]

The lights for each item on the panel should be led, and they should not be drawing that much power to worry about.  I have had my boat sitting in water for over a week at a time with the pump in auto mode.  Mine works flawlessly.  I even went as far as labeling the leads for each pump in case I ever have to replace a pump.  The design and placement of the pumps is very well thought out, as well as the amount of space you have to work in the back of the boat when you have to.  Much thanks to Rick and the designers at Basscat for this item.  It might be small but I am thankful for it every time I have to do anything back there.

 

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